471 Comments
Michel's avatar
Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO works IMMEDIATELY upon application to the skin for back pain and only 1 application was required and it's been over 60 days now without pain I lived with for 30 years. Severe disc degeneration L1-S1.

Thomas A Braun RPh's avatar

Tried it last night for the first time. Used pure 99% DMSO applied with wash cloth on my feet with neuropathy, my left knee which has a implant that is still painful since being installed 11 months ago, and my L4-L5 with degenerative issues. For the first time in months, I only woke up once, whereas normally I toss and turn and have to get up 4 or 5 times because of the chronic pain. My soon to publish book called: Seven Innocents and the Trail of Death has a chapter on NSAIDS that details the high risks for adverse events. Rarely will I take Ibuprofen. My friend overdosed on Ibuprofen and went into cardiac arrest because his potassium blood level was depleted by the drug. I stick to baby aspirin. Thanks MIDWEST Doc for covering the pain topic. Sure the Tylenol folks and etc. don't like the idea. Cuts into their sales. I cover drug marketing in the book also.

Jeff Prager's avatar

The DMSO Store. If you tell me what you want to use it for I can provide instructions on what to buy and how to use it. Prices include tax and shipping.

https://dmsostore.com

Caroline's avatar

Thank you for being willing to help! My husband has chronic pain due to wrestling (not WWE, the other.😊) So he has elbow and shoulder pain that has plagued him for years. He now has a torn meniscus, but dealing with one thing at a time. So we thought we would start with his elbow and see. Just wondering how often to apply. Any help would be so greatly appreciated! Thanks

Jeff Prager's avatar

I applied it once to my lower back, about a 4 inch wide strip about 8 inches long. It worked immediately and I haven't had to use it for my back again. That was about 60+ days ago. Shower well, you can even clean the area with 99% alcohol and wait 15 minutes for it to evaporate. Clean your hands well and apply the liquid with a cotton ball. Make sure everything is sterile, clean, including skin. Start with his elbow and that will tell you if you need to apply it again the next day, or not. To eliminate neuropathy in my fingertips from chemotherapy I had to apply it daily for 2 weeks. My back, one time.

Caroline's avatar

Thank you so much Jeff!

Tracey Daniel's avatar

Im 64 with tons of arthritis in hands, fingers, wrists, low back, neck, shoulders and elbows!   Everywhere but I don’t rest or relax I’m super high energy so I have pain everywhere .. I’ve had two low back fusions but I’ll never go to another dr again .. I walk a lot, bike ride a lot, and do silly arts and crafts thus exhausting my entire body .. I’d rather die than sit down .. I do sit down to do yoga poses and stretches .. but I hurt all the time 

Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO is a carrier drug used to mix with drugs that won't dissolve in saline or water. It has to be used under sterile conditions when used topically. First, shower, use a wash cloth and clean your skin thoroughly, air dry, no towel. Get the DMSO and 3 or 4 organic cotton balls. Wash your hands again. Then liberally soak a cotton ball with DMSO and apply it to any painful areas. Wash your hands thoroughly when done. Allow the DMSO to dry, about 15 minutes, before putting clothes on. Sterile conditions are the key. Remove as much bacteria as possible from skin, hands as clean as possible, apply as clean as possible. DMSO works best for bone pain but it's relived my fingertip neuropathy by about 85% just from applying it periodically. One application on my degenerated discs was all it took. It's been well over 60 days and the pain I lived with for 30 years is completely, 100% gone.

Ben's avatar

Hi, what should I buy for chronic muscle/fascia pain body wide? Can I drink DMSO? Thank you

JustANobody's avatar

Iwould love your thoughts on use for ear fullness, pressure some pain. Er put me on prednisone which I had awful side effects. I asked too. Idiots.

SJKR's avatar

Please share thoughts about how to use DMSO for cervical neck pain radiating to the occipital nerve.

Thank you.

Jeff Prager's avatar

I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. This is what I would do. I would use 99.9% pure DMSO in a sterile environment. Clean scrubbed skin, clean scrubbed hands and I would apply DMSO full strength to the neck where the pain is radiating from with a sterile cotton ball in a 1-2 inch strip and 4-5 inches long. It should work immediately. I would apply it at the lesser occipital nerve on the lower neck up to the greater occipital nerve.

SJKR's avatar

Thank you! I may just give this a try.

I see the DMSO store has some scented options.

You emphasize a sterile environment and clean/scrubbed skin. Can you say more about this? Is contamination of some sort a concern?

I'm happy you've had a good experience. :-)

Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO is used to carry drugs into the body that won't dissolve in saline or water, etc. It will carry anything on your skin, bacteria for example, into your body as well. Scrub clean shower, air dry no towel, wash hands, get cotton balls and DMSO and open bottle. Wash hands again. You can also use alcohol on your skin but give it 15 minutes to evaporate. Apply to skin in as sterile an environment as you can create.

SJKR's avatar

Thank you so very much. I realize I need to read more thoroughly / carefully. I so appreciate you sharing. 🙂

LY's avatar

What source do you use for DMSO and what percentage in particular for Osteonecrosis of the 2nd metatarsal head with mild articular surface flattening and surrounding marrow

edema (Freiberg's infraction).

Jeff Prager's avatar

I use The DMSO Store. I can't answer your second question. I use the liquid, 99.9% pure at full strength topically and diluted to 70% with saline for subcutaneous injection with Hematoxylin.

User's avatar
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JustANobody's avatar

Hi. I had the same problem. May I suggest a carrier oil first? I use either coconut or almond oil and then apply. Stops redness and itching. If you read further in the article it does talk about this. Good Luck.

Thinking Mama Bear's avatar

I dilute 50% with distilled water (not tap) and has reduced 90% of itchiness and redness. I have princess skin. Even holding a bag of groceries gives my skin temporary welts.

I also have a roller bottle 1/2 DMSO & 1/2 magnesium fir muscle pain. I use the water/DMSO for joints.

Margo's avatar

I have RA and have found that applying castor oil with frankincense and some rosemary EO first and then applying straight 99.9% DMSO (allowing it to dry for 20-30 minutes) works best for my joints when painful.

Pat Sz's avatar

I bought magnesium flakes and dilute with distilled water to mix. Then 70dmso/30 mag concentration. I have no skin problems. I bought a pharmaceutical grade DMSO w aloe and I did have skin problems and the smell was worse.

Thinking Mama Bear's avatar

I dilute 50% with distilled water (not tap) and has reduced 90% of itchiness and redness. I have princess skin. Even holding a bag of groceries gives my skin temporary welts.

I also have a roller bottle 1/2 DMSO & 1/2 magnesium for muscle pain. I use the water/DMSO for joints.

T. Jeanne's avatar

Whenever I have accidentally burned myself w too strong a concentration, I slather it with high-quality castor oil til it heals.

And no, it is not an instant panacea for every pain.

There are other cautions too - which often are not mentioned.

Usamnesia's avatar

This does happen to some. You could decrease dosage amount or mix with a very small amount of filtered water.

User's avatar
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Mouzer's avatar

I found it depends on the skin, as some areas are thinner than others. So I use different strengths depending. Also be sure your skin is clean as if there is residue from, say, hair products, that could be the cause of the irritation because DMSO makes what's on the skin absorb.

Be Kind's avatar

I had the same reaction, with the 70% so I mixed 50-50 with distilled water. Works great!

Just bought the "Warrior" brand DMSO cream on Amazon, worked very well last night.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I received this comment via email:

Immediately after your first article about DMSO I purchased it and use it almost daily, I am so thankful for the information as it has literally been a lifesaver. After 16 months of tight muscles, pain, and numerous other issues, along with the full medical establishment gaslighting; I was able to ask for the correct test (GAD 65) and get myself to Mayo Clinic where I received a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome. For those wondering - Yes I was stupid enough trust the government and medical establishment in 2021 and got the COVID 19 shot. Anyway, DMSO relieves the tension in my back, calves, feet, chest and any other areas that might be undergoing spasms. I have it with me at all times. Fortunatley I can use it at 100% strength; sometimes my skin gets dry but really who cares because it works. Thank you for the information! No doctor or physical therapist that I have met even knows anything about it. I like the DMSO store brand that you can purchase from Amazon or directly. No odor. DMSO was the only treatment I had for almost 22 months that I was in pain from constant muscle spasms.

Agent 1-4-9's avatar

I often take tart cherry powder and white willow bark for muscle and joint pain from a hard day's work, as well as DMSO. Could white willow bark or tart cherry be applied topically with DMSO to any benefit?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Wait for the next article.

K J's avatar

This is a free article from a well known herbalist and herbal instructor, Jim McDonald. A lot of great information on herbal protocols for pain. The article is about back pain, but herbs are not limited to one part of the body, though many herbs have some specificity for certain body systems. (I would love to see the different schools of medicine converge and combine the best parts of each type of practice.)

https://www.herbcraft.org/writings/back

Val's avatar

Thanks for sharing that link... what a treasure trove of information.

Margo's avatar

I have been using tart cherry concentrate to dilute DMSO with distilled water to take orally.

Agent 1-4-9's avatar

Haha, does it mask the taste? DMSO has to be about the nastiest tasting stuff on earth. 😁 What benefits do you think you gain?

Margo's avatar

Also it doesn’t make you have that horrible smell. I asked my husband if I still had the DMSO smell. He said no & he was thankful because it was unpleasant 😄

Isaiah Antares's avatar

Huh. I barely notice the taste. Maybe because I'm so accustomed to another, more toxic solvent.

You've never tasted dextromethorphan hydrobromide. ^_^

MarshaGail's avatar

What is it used4? How is it used?

Isaiah Antares's avatar

Not sure whether you're asking about the more toxic solvent I mentioned, or the other thing, so:

The toxic solvent: entertainment and social lubrication, mostly. It tends to come in the form of whiskey, at least in my case. ^_^

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide: cough suppression and dissociative experiences. It tends to come in the form of cough syrup. The pure powder tastes ungodly awful, which is why they have to cover it with so much sweetener.

Margo's avatar

Yes it does mask the taste but I never had too much of a problem with the taste. I believe since I had cut sugar & carbs from my diet years ago. I can’t say I know exactly what it has helped concerning my rheumatoid arthritis as I do so many other things to aid with getting myself into remission. I am leaving for a trip for 10 days so I will be off of it for then. So maybe I might have a better idea. I bought a gallon as it was cheaper that way 😃

Agent 1-4-9's avatar

I'm going to try it, thanks. I quit taking DMSO internally a few years ago because my little grandchildren told me I smelled bad and didn't want to hug me! It was either deal with more pain or no hugs, and I chose hugs. 😁

yantra's avatar

margo - are you using tart cherry for its anti-arthritic effects? or just for taste - or do you think it masks the dmso body odor?

Margo's avatar

Well, both but primarily to mask the DMSO body odor. Most anti-arthritic modalities seem to work more for regular arthritis. RA is a different animal!

Unapologetically Me's avatar

Stiff Person Sydrome is a rare disease. Celine Dion has suffered with it for over 15 years and it caused her to halt her LV residency.

She has talked about this extensively during the past 3 years.

Wondering whether she or any of her doctors and therapists have ever heard of DMSO or if they have, simplt refuse to give it a go?

Eg: My son, who is now 28 and afflicted with a rare post-jab autoimmune disease, RA and recurring Necrotizing Scleritis, continues to ignore any links I send him. Am certain he will not comment on the contents of this article either but I can't give up on him.

I have DMSO in stock and use it to treat this and that. Have recommended it to many folks over the years.

"You can lead a pony to water but"...

aprayerformonkey's avatar

Same situation here. It's heartbreaking. How miserable do you have to get before you realize what is going on? I will be here nonetheless, if the dawn ever breaks over his propagandized mind. Hoping it comes sooner than later.

Msrian's avatar

That is such good news. I hope Celine Dion knows about using DMSO to mitigate her suffering.

Xmen442002's avatar

She's covid poisoned and that is going to be the x factor unknown for many that took the poison darts.

Msrian's avatar

She had her SPS for years before her announcing that she had it in 2022. Symptoms starting in 2008. Long before Covid.

Jennifer L.'s avatar

The mRNA may have exasperated her symptoms considerably or made progression of her illness worse. Similar to how people in remission from cancer had their cancers return.

Msrian's avatar

It certainly wouldn't have helped.

Felicia Byrne's avatar

This is great to hear! I’m happy you are out of pain :-) I’ve been using dmso for a couple decades and looking for stories to send a friend who is having low back pain with right sciatic burning and numbness. The VA keeps pushing hard drugs on him but he refuses them. I think maybe topical dmso and castor oil could help him. That’s usually what I do but he lives with a pharma billing person who feeds him with “she’s crazy” about my self care ..

Thomas's avatar

Someone should tell Celine Dion. She has a severe case of stiff persons disease. I’m 100% sure she got it from the mRNA shot. It is listed as a severe side effect. She refuses to believe it was from the vaccine from what I hear. Maybe DMSO can help her. She literally has nothing to lose. DMSO is safe. Her life and millions of others has had their lives destroyed by the mRNA shot.

VLT's avatar

Thank you for sharing your personal experience & commentary. Many of my meds cause muscle cramps. In constant joint, tendon & muscle pain so I hope it helps.

Anwar's avatar

I tried DMSO liquid mixed it 50/50 with Magnesium Chloride, no real affect and it stings for some time

Bard Joseph's avatar

Get a test. Get a disease.

There are no diseases only symptoms according to Florence Nightingale and Tom Cowan.

Tell your girl friend you have learned from the Mayo Clinic you have received a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome.

Stephen Jaskowiak's avatar

Can you address heat therapy(infrared vs traditional Scandinavian sauna) as an adjunctive for MSK pain control?

User's avatar
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16 juin
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John Andrew's avatar

I had the same problem. Did a workaround by subscribing for free with a different email. That allowed me to read enough to know whether I wanted to go online to get the full article with the other email. I think it's a Substack issue, but their service isn't so much.

Bryan Manson's avatar

Just had a family meeting at the hospital with a group of Doctors regarding mother and hospice. We were all there in one room. My sister had to interject: "I'm just an OBGYN"...to which the head Dr had to reply: "Oh, you're MORE then "just" an OBGYN!

Point being, even upon my mother's death bed (which it will be in a couple days time), one has to seek validation, approval andrecognition for their superior "status".

It was disgusting. Especially since mother is dying from Diabetes-related complications. And not a single "Dr" could reverse or even cure it. Just same on grind ...in and out.

Not a single person recommended Keto...and in fact the hospital fed her sodas, pudding, jello, cookies and all other concoctions of sugar.

But we still literally worship Doctors!

And my brilliant sister could see nothing wrong whatsoever!

Juan's avatar

Totally understand and sorry to hear of your situation. My wife has diabetes and we just went to a naturopath who recommended Keto. Her sugar levels have been the best she has had for 20 years now that she has gone Keto with me. Not one endocrinologist or doctor of any type has ever recommended anything helpful. They have become employees and not doctors. My wife’s heart doctor is miserable in her job and ask for the naturopaths number to get help for herself. Simply amazing how the medical world has imploded.

LindaM's avatar

I'm so sorry for what you're going through, with your Mom.

Bryan Manson's avatar

Thank you.

The literal untold misery witnessed this past 4 years (AMD, renal failure) experienced by one person...

Take that and multiply that by 100's of millions of people globally...it's unbelievable the state of "Medicine".

I guarantee the system had made $5-6M off my mother alone!

It's a rotten, rotten world. I hope the truth prevails over utter ignorance.

And yes, I tried.

LindaM's avatar

My Mom has dry macular degeneration, and her retinologist wisely told her to avoid all white foods (flour, rice, sugar, etc.). Unfortunately, although she doesn't eat "junk" food, she still eats the grains and has a sweet tooth. It's very sad for me, to see my Mom gradually losing her sight, and to think the modern diet has done that to her.

yantra's avatar

sunlight - without intervening windows, glasses or sunglasses can help - in other words get outside when it's sunny, foggy or even rainy - our eyes need the natural rays from the sun to maintain health. i know, it is the last thing an opthalmologist will tell you . . .

also there is an Indian herb, gymnema sylvestre ("gurmar") which means "sugar destroyer" - has been used for millenia in India for diabetes. best taken before meals - and especially if eating a sweet food like cherries or even sugar to ameliorate the bad effects. if you chew it just before eating something sweet, you literally cannot taste the sweetness of the food! (better to break it in half and pop both halves in throat before eating - or ideally take with warm water a little before the sweet treat). it works. also seems to help alleviate the desire for sweets . . . it is sold in compressed herbal tablets. Himalaya is a good brand, comes from india tho distributed by a place called Sugar Land, Texas if you can believe it. maybe they realized they needed it there. (;

Bard Joseph's avatar

Check out the book

Vision for life.

There are exercises for the macular.

Unapologetically Me's avatar

My mother was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration in 2003. I did some researched, offered a list of dietary changes (blueberries, spinach, etc) and her condition vanished within 2 years.

Her opthalmologist was "stumped"... 😉

My son's opthalmologist: "I guess she was misdiagnosed"...

Uh huh.

BreakFree's avatar

My mother went blind from it as well. I've seen some videos that have said it's the seed oils in the processed foods. Avoid them at all costs.

LindaM's avatar

Absolutely, but more than just seed oils. Dr. Chris Knobbe MD, is a fascinating man to look up, and has a book on Amazon--he read all the early medical books on eye diseases, and in a few of his interviews (one with Dr. Paul Saladino in June '23), said that eye doctors in the mid 1800s had lenses that enabled them to see the retina and macula, and they carefully documented abnormalities they saw. Dr. Knobbe said these doctors were not documenting anything that described AMD, until I think it was the 1880's, and then there was a gradual increase through the early 1900s--and now, just go to a retinologist's office and see how common it is! The insidious term "AMD" (age-related macular degeneration), implies that the condition has nothing to do with lifestyle or diet. This is just one more example of institution-wide intellectual laziness--in contrast, Dr. Knobbe is a beacon of light, having dedicated his career to curing this disease.

BreakFree's avatar

Thank you. I'll look for him.

Dee's avatar

Sure it is the seed oil but they put so much toxic stuff in processed food. Hard to say the problem is just the seed oil.

Dee's avatar

The thing is kidneys are the issue with diabetes. Actually kidneys are a lot of times the issue with medical problems. Keto, doing just an all meat diet, is actually an acid diet. Keto can be hard on the kidneys when her kidneys are already struggling. Though I have seen some people do well on keto for a period of time. I don't think you can have an acid diet on an elderly woman and do well. You need alkaline food. Not acid. Please look up meat and whether it is acid or not. I think the reason people do well on keto is their kidneys still has some life left and keto often times eliminates so much other toxins found in processed foods.

You can't give an acid diet to a person who is already so sick and expect them to do well.

I would recommend you follow Dr. Robert Morse. He has cured so many people with just using a all fruit, berries and melon diet. Give her some watermelon for lunch, just watermelon, and watch her come alive. Watch her have a conversation with you. :) Some people say fruit is all sugar. Fruit sugar and processed sugar is two different things.

You can also throw in some healthy herbs too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvGtDnv0DXk

You can Dr. Robert Morse site. Got to Dr. Morse tv site and sign on. https://morses.tv/video/questions-answers-744/

Good luck

Bryan Manson's avatar

Yes, I don't disagree . However, this "health issue" has literally gone on since 1996 w her first bought of pancreatitis. So there has been ample opportunity for true help along the way.

Instead, the garage is packed full of old Styrofoam shipping boxes which have accumulated for her insulin.

When on deaths door, I say let people eat whatever they want!

I'm always learning , so thanks!

Dee's avatar

Does she want to die?

Bryan Manson's avatar

I don't think so, no. But in the last 8 months, she's been home for maybe 2 or 3 weeks maximum.

Dee's avatar

And yes your sister wanted attention. She wanted everyone in the room to think she really is the smartest person in the room,after all she is a doctor. Everyone look at me. However soda, cookies for a diabetic? WTH? I can't see her saying this if she had a clue. Even very, very basic knowledge says you don't just feed soda and cookies to a diabetic, unless of course their blood sugar is ultra low and they are in crisis from low blood sugar. Wow! Sorry you got one of those stupid, arrogant sisters. I got one too. :(

Christina Parker's avatar

My father was diabetic and said he ate better food at home than at the hospital. They would give him foods like animal crackers and canned peaches. Praying for your mother and your family.

Bryan Manson's avatar

I go out for coffee each morning. Today I saw a lady who was off the charts. We can and do see it every day. I don't know whether to scream or cry.

While they can still walk, I know exactly what's in store for them. It's beyond awful.

Engwmn's avatar

I was a hospice nurse for 6 years. To qualify for the program you have 6 months or less to live but the average person spends 30-50 days there. The time to start keto is years earlier and that’s if the patient is interested in it. Keto does help some muscle aches but can be difficult to follow long-term and not everyone wants to eat high fat, moderate protein and low carb. I believe if it is the end of your life, you should live it the way you want to. If you want ice cream for breakfast, go for it. This is definitely not the time for restrictions and the idea that family would do this to a loved one is cruel.

Bryan Manson's avatar

Good Morning. I'm not a very good writer...but you conveyed exactly what I meant to say- that no hero last minute action would save someone with years of decline behind them. The time to "help" is years before! But instead all she received was "standard of care"...that is, Drugs, Drugs, Dialysis, Eyeball Injections....and oh, did I mention Drugs?? And I agree, if one wants to eat Gummy Bears and drink Jack Daniels towards the end, by all means let them. BTW she's now dead, in the refrigerator, awaiting burial.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

It's mind numbing. When my mother was dying of congestive heart failure due to inadequate thyroid treatment, my son was putting all her meds in the dish which totaled 11 pharma drugs and 1 one a day multi. He started laughing out lout loud. It was funny in a Monty Python sort of way.

Unagnu's avatar

Near and dear to my heart. In the rush to 'control opiate' abuse they've labeled patients for whom nothing else works 'addicts'. Some of these are the elderly like my mother with a spine of cottage cheese in intractable pain, which without the help of these drugs, they cannot function, their life is constant pain. I get angry when I think about it as there is no justification - if I am 85 and an 'addict' but I function well and enjoy the remaining years - tell me how I am 'harming society'?? Why is it I need to test monthly as the addicts do? Only get my pills 1 time per month AND sometimes the offices forget to call it in? Leaving me in incredible pain? And they think there is nothing wrong with it? Because of course they are young and the elderly may be a bit addicted...

MH's avatar

I'm in the same position. I've been taking opioids for 20+ years now due to FBSS. Had a spinal fusion that I was told had a 93% success rate! No Dr. Should be spouting those stats. Anyway, I've been judged by my peers, family and pharmacists. I'm not sitting in a tent w a needle in my arm. I follow all the rules, get drug tested and have a once a month appt w my pain specialist. I hate that I've been caught in the middle of this crisis as well as yourself.

Agent 1-4-9's avatar

Look into kratom. Works very similar to opioids, great for pain, you can get it just about everywhere without a prescription. Many use it to wean off opioids.

Xmen442002's avatar

Red kratom to be precise.

This is a VERY POWERFUL alternative to opioids and one the FDA is trying to corral in use but has faced severe backlash because of those addicted to prescription opioids have used it very successfully to get clean.

Kratom does has addictive properties, but it's much less severe than opioid withdrawal.

Agent 1-4-9's avatar

I tore my hip labrum and boy you talk about pain! DMSO doesn't do as much for ligaments and joints like it does for muscular pain. The doctors wouldn't give me anything stronger than ibuprofen. So I started researching and decided to try kratom. It was a godsend. Works great for pain. I did about 18 months physical therapy on my hip, using kratom the whole time. I switched back and forth between red and green to not build up a tolerance. When I quit taking it, not gonna lie, I felt pretty bad the first day. Run down, a little nervous anxiety, flu like symptoms. Day two was much better, and by the fourth day I was feeling fine. Nothing like the horror stories I've read about opiate withdrawal, but yes, be aware if you take it for months you will have some withdrawal symptoms.

MH's avatar

I'll look into it, ty

Aznasimage's avatar

Our household, mostly due to poor surgical outcomes, are suffering as well. I am very sorry.

Aznasimage's avatar

There are those of us that have been responsible. That pain can be progressive is no need for punishment. We hear over and over that only cancer related pain is real. That all other pain is subjective. I am sorry for your family's suffering.

Nurse Outlier's avatar

I have an 81 year old patient today going through opiate withdrawals, she is on suboxone now. I don’t blame her and my heart breaks for her for what she is going through with her opioid addiction. I blame the prescribing doctors, shame on them.

Unagnu's avatar

She isn’t addicted. You are. To power. Why make an 81 year old suffer in pain for the brief life span they have. Ask your self is this TRUE compassion? Or power and lust to control others to ‘conform’. I think the answer will show YOU are the problem. Not the patient. If my mother was EVER subject to you? I’d have her out of the US and to a country that respects the elderly and doesn’t seek to force them to suffer… but what the heck. You can’t see your own complicity in it can you? The beast is rising.

djean111's avatar

Lovely useful stuff, thank you!

Thanks to you, I bought a couple of roll-on DMSO applicators, one with aloe vera, the other with lavender, and just randomly and often applied them to my knee which has been red and swollen for many years. But no pain, just affects my gait, which kills my other hip. Anyway, the swelling is gone!!!!! Took a month, I think. I will now use a castor oil pack to try and dissolve old scar tissue still there from an old arthroscopy. My fear is that the scar tissue and whatever is what keeps my bone on bone from hurting, but that is another problem to solve.

DMSO is magical. IMO, and many many thanks.

K.'s avatar

Are your full-on DMSO applicators plastic? If so is there an issue with micro plastics here? AMD comment? Thanks so much!

djean111's avatar

I had not really considered that; an assumption is that the DMSO store would have considered it. In any event, my knee was so inflamed (oddly painless) that it would not bend fully, which affects my gait, which puts so much pressure on the other hip that it is always painful. If I can correct that, quite frankly, I am happy no matter what. I am 79. No jabs or any medications, I take supplements, but last regular prescription was for birth control, that's how long ago. I am lucky in that, I know. But the thought that I could walk normally again overrides pretty much everything. I will be trying the DMSO on my hip, but I have not much expectation of relief as long as my gait jams the socket with each step. So - now to dissolve scar tissue on knee, which is very pronounced now that the inflammation is lessened. Ant doctors I have seen, at my age, are just running out my clock and offer no help or even suggestions at all.

KarlM Alias's avatar

Only use glass to store, (clean) hands to apply.

SJKR's avatar

Please explain...earnest question. Thank you.

KarlM Alias's avatar

DMSO will take any toxin it is exposed to directly into the bloodstream.

Plastic/metal contact is therefore ill advised, as are dirty hands. The area to which it is applied must also be very clean.

Ron Hanson's avatar

Excellent article, as usual.

Pain’s underlying causes have been the focus of my medical practice the entire time being a physician. I agree with all you have here, and, I’ll add a very skinny version of my stepwise approach. The earlier the layer, the more effect it has on the whole process.

Step 1: Timing. If attention, support, reserves, life’s appropriate journey and resources aren’t sufficient/optimal, a healing journey is not possible. The typical processes of healing take 2 years.

Step 2: Spiritual. 40+ years has taught me a lot, both personally & professionally—age 10 is when I had a major medical condition begin. The challenges serve to teach, guide, and bring forward greater versions of one’s authentic self. ‘Fixing’ a problem is hollow compared to this view.

Step 3: Energy. From mitochondria to esoteric forms, without sufficient energy, healing is not possible.

Step 4: Emotional. From NF-kb induced inflammation to trauma’s downstream effects causing metaphorical—if not literal—abscesses within a person. The ego is the training program for this life. No person is healing without sewing trauma’s loose ends back into the tapestry of their whole self.

Step 5: Physiologic. Too many to list. Functional physicians are well appreciated in this area. My own studies surround the effects of a unique beta glucan that’ll be distributed soon.

Step 6: Neurology. I integrate 6 levels, as harmoniously as possible. Sympathetic relaxation is generally the most important. Very complicated level.

Step 7: Structural. Nearly 20 years ago, this is where I started with stem cell procedures. The procedural techniques for this layer represent at least 5 volumes—1 reserved for the neck only.

Integrating that much information effectively requires a team of 8. It’s my hope that what we’ve learned over our careers will be shared liberally with many in the coming years.

One last comment:

Healing and feeling better are vastly different processes and journeys. Everyone wants the latter. Few are willing/able to meaningfully embrace the former.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Thank you, great comment.

Ron Hanson's avatar

Regarding topical DMSO:

Besides very superficial structures and the small amount absorbed, a deeper effect occurs. I believe this is most likely via calming superficial sensory nerves—mimicking effects of Neuroprolotherapy.

And, we’re likely dealing with quantum effects as well.

LightShiner's avatar

Thank you, Ron, for sharing this! As a specialist paramedic in the UK who moved to primary care with the hope of providing a more preventative holistic approach to health, I realised the NHS and primary care was not going to allow scope for that. (I’m no longer working in the NHS.) My dream would be to work in a team like yours!

Also thank you, MWD, as I have learnt so much from your writing. My chiropractor husband got huge relief from his disc problem with topical DMSO, and he now passes that information on to his patients.

Ron Hanson's avatar

LightShiner—

It’s a long road to provide the techniques, education and the SPACE for people to realize their healing capacities and own pathway. Enjoy the journey. It refined me more than I ever could have anticipated.

LightShiner's avatar

Yes - I think often people want the quick results, but it just doesn’t work like that. And you so much ☺️

Ron Hanson's avatar

Many people are confused that healing = reduction in symptoms. That’s just killing the messenger. Feel free to add to my definition based on your experience:

'Healing describes intentional and guided processes that reduce interference patterns, refine the mind, minimize physical suffering, bolster the heart, and encourage forward the spirit. These forces create positive inertia to elevate present moment awareness, awakening a person to their authentic nature as divine creators and greater connection to divinity’s fullness.'

aprayerformonkey's avatar

"If attention, support, reserves, life’s appropriate journey and resources aren’t sufficient/optimal, a healing journey is not possible."

Based on what I see everyday, that stipulation disqualifies most of the people on Earth.

Ron Hanson's avatar

Are you trying to add something constructive to the discussion? If so, I’m not quite grasping it

Ron Hanson's avatar

You’re welcome to focus upon, and you certainly will see, what is not possible. I focus on and see what is possible. Few more profound differentiators between people exist than this.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

"If attention, support, reserves, life’s appropriate journey and resources aren’t sufficient/optimal, a healing journey is not possible."

"Energy. From mitochondria to esoteric forms, without sufficient energy, healing is not possible."

I am not the one saying that the [ dubious at best ] preponderance of advantages necessary for healing - if not available - disqualify the sufferer from relief. I am aghast that you would predicate healing on such superficial and transient fortune. Unless you have a far different dictionary that defines attention, support, reserves, life's appropriate journey and resources than the one on my shelf, what I am reading is: only the wealthy can benefit.

Ron Hanson's avatar

All that huffing and strenuous use of big words, and you haven’t an idea what I believe healing actually represents. Healing and relief aren’t in the same time zone.

No matter, you already revealed your perceived state of victimhood to the wealthy. Can’t heal in a state of externalization. Endure that swirling vortex as long as you must.

I work with those ready to embrace the healing process. As they’ve learned, that has nothing to do with $$$$.

You’ll understand eventually that everything is perfectly intentional and for each of our best growth/refining.

Ron Hanson's avatar

I appreciate your consistent thoroughness.

Te Reagan's avatar

Yes, DMSO was wonderful for my arthritis.

Then, I went carnivore. Now I’m off the DMSO. Arthritis is gone.

However, I’ll always have DMSO in my medicine cabinet.

BreakFree's avatar

¼ tsp of 20 mule Borax in my ☕ every day has cured my arthritis.

JustANobody's avatar

Bingo. I also take a good Selenium supplement daily.

SJKR's avatar

What? Say more please! Thanks.

BreakFree's avatar

Can download the article about it here. Be quick though, before it disappears. It's getting more and more difficult to find: https://www.chrismole.co.nz/the-borax-conspiracy-walter-last

Henri's avatar

Carnivore - herein lies the gold.

Valerie's avatar

Doc, you are singing my favorite tune!

I’m a massage therapist in a chiro office and the effect of a hip flexors/QL imbalance on back pain cannot be overstated. Another one is tight SCM from either poor posture or poor breathing mechanics compressing the suboccipitals… that one is the case in probably 80% of my clients with neck pain. And completely treatable with noninvasive methods.

And 100% agree with the failed ‘pain management’ model, we see these clients all the time after they’ve done everything the way their doc wants and they’re still in tremendous pain.

Thank you for the work you do writing this column. This one and several others have helped me tremendously.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Thank you. SCM comes up a lot too.

Irie's avatar

Does the chiropractor help to heal hip flexor/back pain? I was thinking of getting stem cell injections from using my own fat-derived cells. Maybe I just need a chiropractor? Massage? Also, I will try the DMSO cream. Not sure how to use it though.

Valerie's avatar

As far as I know they don’t do PRP or other biologics (usually referred to as stem cell injections) around the spine, at least not the docs I use. I would definitely recommend chiro and massage before doing anything medical, even PT once you know what the specific problem is. If it’s a muscle imbalance the combination can work wonders. If you can find a place where you can get chiro and massage together, it works even better. It’s worth a try, at least.

And where I work we take insurance for both chiro and massage, although it’s getting harder to find, and not every insurance plan will have that coverage. Oh, also, make sure if you can’t find a massage therapist in a chiro office you find one that’s trained in orthopedic or medical massage (it should state training on their website). Even sports massage would probably work.

Rob (c137)'s avatar

DMSO and castor oil speed healing for me, I rarely use it for pain.

I'm glad the house of cards is slowly starting to fall down.

We live in the world of the movie Idiocracy, including healthcare.

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/private-equity-unitedhealth-take

Trying hard's avatar

Such a valuable and true article. Thank you. DMSO is my go to. Luckily I learned long ago to not obey my doctors, Or at least be very skeptical. That has saved me countless drug prescriptions of the dangerous drugs you mention above, And at least 11 surgeries at last count. I am 70 years old now and have never had surgery, And I get around just fine without pain, but if I listened to my doctors there's no telling what I would be like now.

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

I have had success with 70% DMSO applied topically to my partially numb toes (from ankle surgery), which burn at night. Sometimes I reapply it, but it has made going to sleep much easier without my toes burning (which can keep me awake). I have recommended it to others with nerve pain. I have also rubbed it into my hands and can now crochet again (same strength).

Original Lisa's avatar

Do you just dilute it in distilled water, e wash hands and rub it on?

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

Yes, wash feet and hands and then rub on. Rinse hands with water afterwards to avoid soap being absorbed into hands. Let dry before putting sock or clothing over area you are applying it. I usually just let my feet hang over the edge of the bed before I go to sleep.

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

I buy it already mixed. But you can dilute it yourself from liquid. I order natures gift brand on Amazon.

Original Lisa's avatar

Thanks, glad it helps you. I’ll try on my hands. 🌹

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

I put it on clean hands and then try not to use them until it dries.

Thinking Mama Bear's avatar

I have found a non synthetic paint brush works great, one that artists use about 1/2 flat brush.

Eleanor Hall's avatar

AMD, please keep these brillant articles coming! I have been using DMSO for lumbar pain for almost a year now, putting it on after an application of 3000 mg CDB balm twice a day. This topical application strategy has worked well for my low back pain. However, adding stretching and/or dangling is an important piece of the pain relief regimine because I know a contributor to the chronic pain is tight muscles secondary to L3-l5 spinal misalignment. As long as there are no peripheral neuropathies, this will remain my pain management strategy. Your introductory articles on DMSO for use of pain prompted further research, and a major contributor to the pain relief. Thank yous are not enough!

Flatulus Maximus's avatar

So glad to see you mention Dr. John Sarno! I was diagnosed (by an x-ray taken by my wife's chiropractor) with an extruded lumbar disc some 20-odd years ago. I was under tremendous stress trying to keep a business afloat, working 70+ hrs. per week, and the pain would just not go away. During that time I also developed IBS-D. A local psychologist was advertising biofeedback to manage IBS symptoms, so I made an appointment. I showed up at his office in so much pain from my still ailing back, that he commented on it sympathetically and simply suggested I might benefit from Sarno's Mind Over Back Pain. I read it in an afternoon, and the next day my pain was completely gone. The biofeedback didn't help much with the IBS, but I'll always be indebted to Dr. Edward Sorel of Ithaca, NY for curing my back pain in one day, with no drugs or surgeries! (It wasn't an "imagined" pain, in the pejorative sense. In certain types of people, the brain converts a genuine injury into chronic pain via a process he dubbed Tension Myositis Syndrome. It's a fascinating read if you can still find it. It was a revelatory experience for me. As Dr. Sorel always said to me: "The mind is a powerful thing!")

Big E's avatar

RE Failed Back Surgery Syndrome...

This happened to our mom; she suffered greatly before, during, and after multiple back surgeries, which left her worse off than before and on opiate pain killers for the rest of her life. She was told she would be paralyzed if she didn’t get the surgeries.

Of course, we didn’t have the benefit of AMD’s advice decades ago. So angry and sad about what she and our family endured at the hands of the pain treatment industry.

Big E's avatar

We continue to love these abridged articles!

Dan Niemeyer's avatar

I have a pinched nerve in my neck (C5 or C6?), which manifests as shoulder pain. Got a couple of steroid(?) injections, then asked the doctor if CBD might help. He said, give it a try, and if I never see you again it would be a good thing. That was 7 years ago.

Jamie's avatar

CBD is wonderful. Even better with DMSO. Not to mention DMSO is way more affordable!

SJKR's avatar

What CBD form (oil, cream, gummy) and brand do you prefer, please. I've had some limited success with an oil. Thanks.

Dan Niemeyer's avatar

I'm using water soluble CBD from American Shaman, 0.5 ml in a glass of water, twice a day.

Barbara Lackey's avatar

Best way to treat dysplasia in esophagus with DMSO or is it too strong. I was thinking maybe 30% DMSO to 70% water. Thoughts. I don't want to make it worse. Endoscopy June 30th so want to get to work on it. Thank you. My regular Doc won't even let me talk about this......

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

You can't drink DMSO above 20%. Its normally advised to go much lower. I just tell people to do a teaspoon in water to be safe. Alternately you can try applying it externally at a higher concentration. If it were me, I would try to get any acid reflux under control (with a natural method) rather than just mitigating the damage with DMSO.

Jan Van C's avatar

My acid reflux issue lasted for 2 decades. Lots of antacid tablets did not work. I finally got total relief when I found ACV- apple cider vinegar. I started drinking 1/2 tsp diluted in a 200 ml glass of water before breakfast andvevery time I would get reflux. Haven't had any reflux for a long time, but still have ACV now and then, to relieve occasional bloating when I outdid myself at the table. We always keep a bottle handy!

Unapologetically Me's avatar

Dr. Robert Yoho drinks a tablespoon a day. Unsure what he mixes it with though.

Margo's avatar

I take 3 tsp a day with 15 oz of distilled water and some tart cherry concentrate.

Lin Scherder's avatar

I just saw a youtube on treating reflux with hcl tablets before eating as it is actually caused by too low acid and Not too high as normally thought. Tucker Carlson had Ron Johnson telling this and he takes Betaine Hcl that cured his issue.

Hope this can help you

Jennifer L.'s avatar

Years ago a friend of mine shared a book suggesting HCL/pepsin/gentian root for reflux. I have used it for many years and rarely have heartburn at all (and if I do it is not severe).

Nurse Outlier's avatar

Is that a teaspoon of 20% DMSO in water or a teaspoon of 99.9% DMSO in water?

Be Concerned's avatar

Hopefully AMD will respond, & no doubt will have your answer....but if not, you might also try CDS, Chlorine Dioxide Solution. Are you familiar with it? It floods cells with almost 11 million oxygen molecules, per Dr Andreas Kalcker, & cancer cannot live in oxygen. Protocols at https://andreaskalcker.com/en/cds-protocols/ -- should come up English, but if not, change in top right corner.

I buy mine from All One Wellness: https://allonewellnessnow.com/products/products-mms-water-purification-cds?variant=39974598049886

Have also bought from https://kvlab.com/chlorine-dioxide-products/cds-aqueous-chlorine-dioxide.html

User's avatar
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13 juin
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Barbara Lackey's avatar

Thanks so much for your input. Really appreciate it....sure don't want to make it worse.

Lisa’s Alternate Reality's avatar

Hi Dr! Our body needs pain as an indicator. I thought. I am 57, I have had 78 surgeries in my life. Mostly minor, 8 major. I was never given pain meds after the minor, which was my bladder. I have intersistitial cystitis. I had kidney surgery in my 20’s, this was the first time I was given opioids and went into anaphylactic shock in recovery. The doctor told me I was allergic to opioid medication, codeine, morphine and everything in that family. He did testing. After this surgery, I decided to get heavily into fitness, which always made my bladder pain feel better, I became a personal trainer. At the height of my career, I got into a horrific car accident in my early 40’s. Needless to say to say, that career ended. I needed replacement surgeries on both knees and one hip. State Farm would not allow me surgery, “2 year wait in NJ to ‘make sure’ you are disabled”. I wanted to heal myself, but my hip was dislocated and I could not get surgery right away. I was not on any meds. I used marijuana. I finally got my first replacement surgeries. I told the doctors at HHS in NYC, I was allergic to opioids. They tried steroids and I went into anaphylactic shock. Anti inflammatories, also. It was ruled out, I was allergic to all 3. Since 2013, I have had 7 replacement surgeries. 3 left knee, 2 right knee and 2 hip, and revisions. I had my left 3rd knee revision in June 2024, I told my ortho, no meds and get me out of the hospital, after I can walk. He discharged me after 12 hours. I used live resin thc, and I had no pain, and healed quicker. It’s an article in my newsletter. I found out 3 years ago, I have EDS, hypermobile joints, which led to all the revisions. I have snapping tendon syndrome, which doesn’t help !🤣(oh well) I live in dire pain everyday. But I get up and I do my daily life the best I can. I have back pain, shoulder pain, hip and knees, ankles…I go to pain management for my medical marijuana card, and he keeps insisting shots in my spine and knees! No way! Especially in the knees, I was told no metal on metal, meaning no needles in the replacement surgeries. I don’t drink, I don’t micro dose anything. I know I am on borrowed time, and I am ok with it. Our bodies are well balanced machines, why do we need all these drugs! I say, stay on tune with your body and it heals and helps to be aware! PS I would love to do dmso BUT the doctors in NJ love to see you suffer. I have a great diet, and I have good sleep, I feel these are the most important tools to help with the pain!

Doger Badell's avatar

What is the protocol to use for tinnitus? I used DMSO for a herniated disc at S1/L5 and it did at least as good/possibly better than 3 epidural steroid shots. I'm glad I tried it. I had an appointment for another set of 3 shots and ended up cancelling it.

carol coy's avatar

Since DMSO is wonder drug for so many issues, should it be taken regularly as proactive and preventative?

Also, what are amounts and frequency of DMSO to be taken for various issues? Thank you.

Dave's avatar

#1 factor is how smelly your life can tolerate you being. If you lived in the woods alone no reason not to drink it every day. If you go to an office you may lose your job via raw smelliness.

Loretta Spindel's avatar

I would like to know if anyone has information as to whether DMSO can help lumbar spondylosis coupled with spinal stenosis issues?

Jamie's avatar

Read AMD’s series on DMSO. I do believe you will see an amazing benefit from taking it and/or using it topically.

I’ve had Ankylosing Spondylitis for over 23 yrs & have had 29 fractures as a result of prescription drugs. I have been off all drugs for AS since 2020 & taking no prescriptions now in 2025.

I am doing amazingly well these days.

Glory to God who has given my body the ability to heal and the knowledge to do most of it myself. DMSO since 2021-2022.

Loretta Spindel's avatar

Thank you Jamie for your response and sharing your wonderful experience. Did you have a doctor or someone to help guide you with how to use DMSO or did you do or on your own? I have started reading AMD’s series on DMSO but would like to find a professional to help if needed.

Jamie's avatar

I believe that almost anyone can do it with the extensive research and information AMD provided in the series.

I was already taking it and using it topically when AMD’s series came out. Those articles motivated me to try harder and increase my dosage.

I have a background in veterinary medicine and did it myself without a doctor’s guidance.

(Starting with a real food diet)

I wasn’t functional at all and made healing and learning a full time job!

I have found a doc (just this year) to help me the rest of the way with root causes.

If you find a functional med or integrative med practitioner you can trust, bring the extensive research to them (if they aren’t familiar) ask them to use it with you. If they won’t move on.

Old_Mainer's avatar

Thank you. Can you add your daily oral dose of DMSO and estimate the amount you absorb trans-dermally? What has worked for you?

Bryan Manson's avatar

Years back, I took a swig of DMSO internally. It was more of an experiment to see if it would kill me 😭

The following morning at work I had a group meeting. People were verbally voicing their disgust at the smell. I just kept my mouth shut and said not a word!

And I could not smell a thing!

Dr, can you suggest any ailments which taking internal DMSO may be beneficial?

I think I read something in a book and felt compelled to drink it! Lol 🤣. Thanks!

DC Lovell's avatar

Thank you Midwestdoctor. I have been using DMSO since your first post on the subject. Knees, immediate results. Hips took about 2 weeks. Used at the incision for my back surgery L 3,4,5 hasn't completely eliminated pain 100%, but I can live with 80% less pain. When I use to stretch my neck, it would make sounds like I was shaking a steel bowl with marbles in it. It has eliminated 90% of the noise and my neck is less locked up.

Ai Absent's avatar

I'm very worried about anything I consume. I'm extremely sensitive as it is but Cipro made things much worse. I developed food intolerance, joint issues, parastesis, and later on MCAS. I also think some of enzymes of CYP450 might not be working properly since 250mg naproxen lasts 26-28 hours for me. I cannot handle majority of medicine. I stopped with all medicine except antihistamines. When I read that DMSO can enhance the absorption of other things and increases blood circulation I often worry that will only worsen my condition as Histamine Induces Vascular Hyperpermeability by Increasing Blood Flow and Endothelial Barrier Disruption. It is so rare to find any good help or advise on issue of MCAS and Cipro toxicity. Where I live the medical establishment does not even acknowledge these 2 conditions. My partner has the same issues and also arthritis. I use mostly supplements as quercetin, curcumin, i tried so much from NAC to resvertrol but I can only handle first 2, Mg and tributirat. I read your many great articles but always wonder if any of it can suit me. I feel like living in the world where there are some of us being transparent, ignored, something disregarded as statistic anomaly that does not fit anywhere and we have to somehow find our own way after being damaged by many medical interventions (4 endo surgeries, many antibiotics, NSAIDS, etc). Now being almost 50 I'm learning that medical establishment has no real clue about how body works. That everything is trial by error and when error occurs you are on your own. No one is here to help when "real medicine" is too aggressive for you. The most honest advise from a young doctor I got is you have to live a life where you have to carefully balance between benefits and side effects of drugs and for you side effects are many and terrible. So here I am, living a life hoping I won't need any medical assistance because they do not know how to help people. Not just like me but most of us. I do realize this is quite bleak and pessimistic view I hold but life brought me to this place and I'm searching for a fork in a road that might offer and alternative experiences and view (with a bit of hope). Any to offer?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I will cover these topics in the future.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

Right there with you. Cipro is poison. I had 21 days for cellulitis over shinbone. No kidding, I became mentally ill and I know what mental illness is. The only way to explain it is, I felt that my soul had left my body. It was horrifying. Then ironically came years of skin infections - some quite serious - which is an actually a side effect of Cipro. Every scratch needed antibiotics. Wish I had been reading AMD then. And there is hope. You sound shell-shocked by all you have been through. I would start getting outside in the sun and deliberately itemize each fear and let it go. Give yourself permission to just rest - even for just an hour. Meditate on the miracle of your body and how it works. Thank God for billions of processes that are going on perfectly balanced that you can't even name and focus on that and how wonderful it is. Allopathic medicine has made us view our bodies as our enemy. It is not. It is our friend.

susan molendyk's avatar

I purchased 90% DMSO and applied a few drops directly onto the painful tendinitis of my elbow. Several months of pain gone with a few applications, once a day. I also applied to a painful toe joint and gone with one application. With hard to reach areas, like a shoulder cramp, I drop a few drops onto my fingers and rub it on the sore areas once a day. That took about 2-3 applications once a day before the discomfort was gone. A spot of eczema on the elbow, finally disappeared after about 5-6 applications of a couple of drops. Just wash your fingers, hands after using them to massage the DMSO into the skin. I find that more than 2-3 applications can turn the skin a bit red but that resolves quickly once you stop the treatment. You want to make sure that you apply DMSO onto clean skin so I wait until after I shower. You don't want to pull the sweat or dirt into your body.

Don's avatar

Everyone here will appreciate this classic SNL parody of medical quackery.

"Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edIi6hYpUoQ

Kitty's avatar

I recently heard a pharmacist say if you're taking multiple doses of Tylenol also take NAC because it helps protect the liver from the damage Acetaminophen can do.

Tori's avatar

My husband took way too much Tylenol trying to alleviate severe knee pain, before he was scheduled for knee replacements. Wound up with jaundice and liver failure due to the Tylenol overuse. NAC is actually what they treat that with, via IV. My husband recovered well, liver repaired itself.

PRice's avatar

Stay away from NAC. It ruins our endogenous antioxidant system (Nrf2 pathways), and downstream processes such as autophagy.

Here's a 2025 rodent study I came across this weekend:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11827418/ “Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway restores N-acetylcysteine-induced impairment of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis negative feedback by up-regulating GRα expression and down-regulating GRβ expression into pituitary glands”

Some findings:

"NAC reduced expression of Nrf2 in the pituitary of mice. NAC induced adrenal enlargement and hypercorticoidism, along with a decrease in GRα expression and an increase of GRβ expression in the pituitary gland."

"We observed that dietary supplementation with NAC ( Figure 4A ) significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels in mice 24h ( Figure 4B ) as well as 15 days ( Figure 4C ) after the last administration of the antioxidant with the same magnitude of response (3.5-fold and 3.4-fold, respectively)."

So I asked Grok3: What's a human equivalent time to 15 days in male Swiss-Webster mice aged between 4 and 6 weeks? It replied: “15 days in male Swiss-Webster mice aged 4 to 6 weeks corresponds to approximately 4.1 human years, advancing their equivalent human age from about 10–12 years to roughly 14–16 years.”

Four+ years seems like a long time for NAC to steadily and continuously affect humans’ HPA axes. What do you think?

LindaM's avatar

I don't understand enough of how that all works, but considering that during Covid, the FDA was close to banning NAC, I'm inclined question the motives of the study. (Plus, mice are very different from humans...)

Jamie's avatar

I love NAC. I have seen huge benefits

PRice's avatar

If someone bombs themself everyday with antioxidants like NAC, they’re doing nothing to improve training of their endogenous systems’ defensive functions. What happens when they stop bombing?

NAC shuts down Nrf2 activation, which is our bodies' master antioxidant regulator. The non-emergency NAC use eventually ends, and people dissolve back to baseline, with no improvements in their endogenous capabilities to deal with oxidative stress.

Jamie's avatar

Thank you bringing this to my attention. I will look into it, for sure.

Currently it is serving a purpose. I certainly don’t plan on using it forever, but my body is still healing.

Drew Skonberg,DC's avatar

I appreciate the opportunity to comment in this forum. A few things for clarification will help the lay person’s understanding of chronic pain. First and obvious but often procrastinated on are new injuries. They need evaluation promptly to avoid entering the chronic phase at 6 plus months. Robust data on meds and rest only are clearly out from 48-72 hours forward. This is due to tissue injury healing whereby restrictive “cross hatching” of ligamentous and muscular tissue is laid down resulting in altered biomechanics. Movement, stretching and strengthening, massage, PT passive ROM, and Chiro adjustments are indicated to minimize impact of poor tissue healing that will lead to improper healing.

Scar tissue is never as good as the original, but needs to be made as normally functional as possible.

I’ll add one caveat to your understanding of leg length inequalities. There are 2 types, one anatomical which you address and are helped with either heel lifts up to ~ 1/2 inch and if greater, a full length insert with the appropriate difference. Part 2 is the functional leg length inequality due to sacroiliac subluxation and sometimes cervical spine subluxation which shows immediate leveling following adjustments.

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

You do have to be careful with aspirin. It can cause ototoxicity (ringing in ears). I have experienced this and it isn’t a desirable side effect. I have a nursing colleague who also experienced this from over use of aspirin. I still take some daily, but have added high dose vitamin C for better benefit than aspirin. I have taken as much as 6,000 mg of vitamin C in a day. Best form, I believe, is liposomal vitamin C (when joint pain starts to flare up I start the vitamin C and within about 8 hours, it is mostly gone and stays gone for days). I also use topical DMSO. I haven’t tried DMSO orally yet, only because I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

Bard Joseph's avatar

Vitamins are a scam, mostly industrial waste. Ascorbic acid is made from black fungus. All my vitamins are in my food. That might cause your ear ringing. Ear ringing may be from stimulating you auditory nerve, which could be a positive to protect your hearing. That nerve is at the top of your neck. Fear of aspirin created by Pharma to dump you onto expensive Tylenol. Phoney study done on stomach bleeding. Take it on a full stomach.

DayDawnBreaking's avatar

Everything is bad in excess—including aspirin.

Janet's avatar

I have been taking aspirin as well the last year and a half. My endoscopy found a peptic ulcer last month. I had symptoms for a couple of months. Trying a natural way for the ulcer and quit the aspirin because I was so anemic I needed iron infusions. There has probably been a bleed the last year and the blood thinning qualities of aspirin didn’t help. I did not notice anything wrong until the last two months before the severe anemia symptoms but I lost half my blood volume making a very difficult few weeks. So there is certainly risk with aspirin.

Pray With Your Legs's avatar

Can you apply DMSO externally to a sore hip when you have an artificial metal knee in the same leg? If not, does the knee preclude DMSO and what about if you have a metal heart stent?

Thank you.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

No one in the DMSO community has reported issues with doing that. However, to be on the safe side since plastic can be in prosthesis, it's better to use lower concentrations (as DMSO starts to leach above 15% but is heavily diluted by the time it goes from the skin to where the prosthesis is).

Pray With Your Legs's avatar

Thank you. So best to use concentrations lower than 10% or 5% and would it still help with the sore hip at such low concentrations?

Dee's avatar

I used it on a plate in my arm, no problems so far. Wrist pain.

Ray R.'s avatar

Interesting article. I'm one of the unfortunate people who suffer from chronic back pain. I've had 4 back surgeries, one of which was a 6 hour fusion. Opioid help but I can no longer get them. You don't mention how to use the DMSO for this condition.

JustANobody's avatar

Can anyone here offer suggestions on how to use DMSO for ear infection, if it works? Thank you in advance.

JustANobody's avatar

Thank you kindly. I cannot figure out how to use though. Cannot read comments as I am not a paid subscriber.

BODY LABY BY LILY's avatar

Couldn’t agree more with this post, which speaks to western medicine’s proclivity to numb the symptom rather than address the source.

Recynd's avatar

After you introduced me to DMSO, I purchased a high-strength bottle. As an experiment, I have now twice used it on a herpes lesion, and both times, the lesion was 100% gone within two days (the pain resolved almost immediately upon first application).

I have also used a gel form for arthritis in my hands from overuse (my hobby is basket stitching)—the DMSO works like nothing else.

Thank you for the information; this substance has myriad uses, and I won’t ever be without it.

Heidi Dean's avatar

I purchased DMSO to use on varicose veins topically…I have not seen any change but was not sure how long I should continue applying.

Same with a friend who has continued pain after shoulder replacement…how much and how long before pain decrease/relief noted?

Thank you so much!!

Glenda's avatar

My physician’s nurse called to refer me to a “pain specialist” after MRI. I called back in about 30 seconds to ask for physical therapy. Then went to a Wellness program that has me in weights and resistance training 2-3x/week. Much improved over 4 months and counting. I also use a DMSO (70% along with Aloe and it does not burn.)

Xmen442002's avatar

DMSO is not going to work for everyone and that's just a fact and not a psychological issue.

I have found that red kratom(not the garbage you buy at the corner gas station or head shops) is very powerful relieving pain for people and allowing them to sleep which is a huge issue for many with chronic pain.

This the reason the FDA is trying to ban kratom, but had a huge outcry from the people that are using it to get off their addictions to opioid meds, is that the Kratom is more effective than any prescribed medications taken and not nearly as addictive as the opioids(yes Kratom can be addictive but harder to get hooked than prescribed meds).

There has been only one death that was partially attributed to taking Kratom but the kratom was not the main culprit in the death.

As with any medication of natural origins, you need to be diligent in research before trying it because it could either render current some meds useless or adversely increase the effect of one you are taking.

You won't get a honest answer from your PC doctor as they will have never heard about it or they have been mind fucked by AMA literature announcing the dangers of it in non existing medical research and just hearsay opinions in the allopathic medical Mafi ring.

Delred's avatar

I made a 60/40 Aloe DMSO solution for a pretty bad sunburn. About 95 percent of the pain went away immediately and the burn healed quicker compared to using store bought aloe Vera.

Emsrul's avatar

I have been using DMSO for chronic neck pain and headaches but it hasn’t relieved pain? Suggestions- thx i use the 70/30 cream

ShastaBetty's avatar

Doctor, I really wish I could use this given all the glowing reports including one from my good friend. I have back, hip, knee, shoulder pain. However, I am extremely chemically sensitive and using it makes me sick. I had to just throw it away. I can't trade one kind of problem for another. I did find one where that awful odor had been removed from DMSO STORE.

Description: "DMSO 8 oz. Glass Bottle Non-diluted 99.995% Pure Low Odor Pharma Grade Liquid Dimethyl Sulfoxide Super High Quality Made by DMSO Store "

I used it numerous times. It never worked for me despite other people having made glowing reviews. So, doctor, if you have any suggestions I would certainly be open to them

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

In those cases, there is often a problem with some combination of fluid circulation, detoxification, emotional stress, some type of immune process, a chronic infection or a permanently activated cell danger response. I addressed a some of that here:

https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/steroid-dangers-and-safe-autoimmune

ShastaBetty's avatar

Thank you for your quick response. Are you saying in the case of chemically sensitive these are likely the problems? I've been chemically sensitive for 35 years and trust me I have addressed all these issues over the years. I done so much detox and tests, dealt with chronic IBS, etc. My first doctor was specialist in MCS - he nearly died from being exposed to something in the ER. Over the years I've had other specialists too. Basically, I want to know why the DMSO that has reduced odor doesn't work for me.

Everything Voluntary Jack's avatar

Thank you for your as usual thoughtfully anti-Status quo research to evade the Medical-pHarmaceutic Mafia's grip.

I wonder if you know of another medical rebel (not Dr Lee Merritt, a good one), Pamela Wible?

https://www.idealmedicalcare.org/

Doctors like you and Lee and Pamela are Humanity's Healers and we need to care for carers like you.

Stay safe and free.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I was familiar with her work on doctor suicides but did not keep up with what she branched into after that.

Everything Voluntary Jack's avatar

Not wanting to pry but I assume you are more or less in alignment with Pamela's direction towards more doctor autonomy? But...?

Also, how are you with Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)?

I value your judgements.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

AAPS is a good organization

Gina Crabtree's avatar

Would like to find a Dr. Who is versed in DMSO use here in N. CA. My husband had a severe hemorrhagic stroke 7 yrs ago andcwe are interested in it's use for nerve pain etc. He really wants to walk again and works at it diligently but we need some guidance with the use of DMSO.

Mary's avatar

The AMDs posts on DMSO are so thorough that by the time you finish them you will know exactly how to proceed. You have everything you need! Unfortunately doctors who give advice on DMSO are rare.

Jamie's avatar

Yes!!! All the info is clear and available in the series.

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

I take DMSO regularly if I'm not leaving the house , because of the body odor it gives, and I'm on BP and metformin. I take it 4 hrs before or after. 1 tsp dose.

Janet's avatar

Yes. I plan my DMSO oral ingestion. 🤔☺️

Be Concerned's avatar

Great info as always! But...one can't take DMSO if they're on any prescription meds, correct? Which causes a problem for many in pain, such as my 74 y.o. neighbor who is mostly bedridden. And myself, as I'm still having to take a small BP pill...hoping to get off that soon.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

DMSO potentiates some medications. Typically the potentiation happens if they are taken together (especially in an IV).

The main potentiation people have noticed are:

•Corticosteroids (which is addressed by lowering the dose as higher more toxic ones are no longer needed).

•Alcohol: can make alcohol too strong. They should be taken away form each other (especially hard liquor).

•Barbituates (same issue as alcohol). Given that alcohol and barbituates have this issue, I thought it would also be the case with benzodiazepines but I have not come across anyone who reported this issue.

Possible but less clear issues:

•Chemotherapy drugs (can make them more potent so dose needs to be lowered).

•Certain antibiotics (same issue).

•Anticoagulants (very unclear but as this is theoretically possible, you need to monitor your blood coagulation while taking both currently to see if the dosing should be adjusted).

I am not aware of any other drugs anyone has found combination issues with.

Be Concerned's avatar

Great! Thanks SO much. I'm not on any of those substances/meds.

My neighbor, who needs pain relief, is on hydrocodone, has been for 30 years. It would be so nice if DMSO could help her. Will talk with her about it.

Janet's avatar

Don’t get your hopes up. I find people are very resistant and rely on their meds and doctors. Believe me, I’ve tried. But try anyway, of course. 👍🏻

Be Concerned's avatar

Yeah, I understand, thanks. I mentioned CDS to her recently, & she said she'd try anything. But actually getting her to try it might be different, lol.

Ande's avatar

I read somewhere it reacts with Tamoxifen or dissolves it. I could be barking up the wrong tree 😊

Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO can be used topically with prescription meds, most anyway.

Be Concerned's avatar

Really? I was told on a DMSO Telegram group that if I used it topically, dilute to 20% with distilled water. I didn't try it, didn't want to potentially have an issue.

I do keep it in a drawer by my bed, though. If I were to have a heart attack or stroke, I would take a swig or two. Some natural docs I follow said it'll stop either of these.

Jeff Prager's avatar

You were misinformed. DMSO is a carrying agent for drugs that don't mix with water, saline, etc. So DMSO needs to be used under highly sterile conditions or it can carry bacteria from your skin or things you've touched into your body. I take a shower and scrub well, air dry, get the DMSO and the Organic Cotton Balls, wash my hands again and apply the DMSO to my skin heavily on my chest. I have Lung Cancer. I also inject D-Hematoxylin which is a mixture of DMSO and Hematoxylin. Subcutaneous injection. You can also put a teaspoon in filtered water and drink it. I use 99.9% pure DMSO topically and 70% DMSO/30% Saline for injection.

Pepper Jackson's avatar

I've been taking DMSO internally with EGCG and curcumin for my CLL since early March. On May 1, I had my lowest lymphocyte count in 10 years, 9.8, just double high normal. Before that, it was always 3 times normal. It's definitely working for me. Best of luck to you!

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

Have you thought about adding chlorine dioxide to your protocol?

Jeff Prager's avatar

I already use it at 24 drops Parts A & B 1 ounce an hour from 10am until 7pm.

Be Concerned's avatar

Okay, that makes sense, thank you!! Bless you on the cancer, I pray it'll be reversed with your protocol. Are you also taking Chlorine Dioxide Solution? It is often paired with DMSO in cancer treatment.

There are a few Telegram groups for each, & then one for Chlorine Dioxide and DMSO Resources Chat. I don't read through them regularly, due to time constraints, but you can search on various subjects & go to those posts.

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

Buy Amanda's Vollmer book ( Healing with DMSO ), she explains everything well as does AMD.

Be Concerned's avatar

Thank you! I actually have the book in pdf format from a telegram group. Haven't yet read through it.

Sunshine's avatar

I use it topically (70/30 DMSO/Aloe Vera gel) and as long as you wash your hands before and after, or apply with a cotton ball, no worries. Just be mindful that DMSO is a carrier and magnifies/amplifies what it comes in contact with. Ingested meds are not affected if you apply topically in the extremities. YMMV. Good luck!

Be Concerned's avatar

Thanks! I'd think it would be important to use a proven-toxin-free soap. One commenter elsewhere said she disinfects the area with Chlorine Dioxide Solution, before applying castor oil to the eyelids (it penetrates deeply, too), or DMSO on any area.

Original Lisa's avatar

I also read DMSO can be “swigged”’ immediately upon stroke or heart attack straight from bottle. But here, AMD says max 20% orally. Hmmm

Be Concerned's avatar

The docs I follow from the Healing For The A.G.E.S. conferences said to swig it if having either of those. I'll definitely do that if need arises. I respect what AMD says, though, but in an emergency I'll swig.

Dave's avatar

In theory they'd have to take it when the meds are out of their system which might be the opposite time slot depending on the med.

Be Concerned's avatar

Okay, thanks for that. Don't know how long it takes for my BP med to get out of my system...it might stay in till the next day's dose. Will research this.

TinyItalianGirl's avatar

Where do I purchase DMSO? I have an L4L5 slippage that just occurred with sciatic pain to the leg. It’s been 6 weeks and I’m on Celebrex after two runs of steroids and a corticosteroid shot in the back yesterday. I tried Gabapentin which made me somnolent and dizzy. I was only allowed one Hydrocodone at night and they have cut me off. Honestly, I would have sawed my own leg off to relieve the pain. The steroid shot has helped me and has given me some relief. Thanks for the info. I was a healthy person walking 3 miles a day without any chronic illness. I just want my life back.

Ned B.'s avatar

Here's where I buy DMSO (as recommended by Midwestern Doc)

https://dmsostore.com/collections/dmso-liquid-in-glass-bottle

"I just want my life back" - Tiny Italian Girl, I feel you so much. I was a healthy person too, hitting the gym 5-6 hours a week of high-intensity aerobics (at 70 years old) when a gym accident triggered a decades-old motorcycle crash injury. MRI, X-rays show L4 slipped 20% forward over L5, with severe central canal and IVF nerve impingement. It's been six years of daily, crippling pain. Neurosurgeons recommended laminectomy plus spinal fusion surgery. I declined. I declined spinal injections (for the reasons listed in the article) I declined gabapentin (I'd seen it destroy my mom's health). I didn't want opioids. I've tried numerous conventional and alternative therapies over the years. About 18 months ago, I started using DMSO. I brush it on my back and legs liberally. My severe backaches are pretty much gone. However, the nerve pain, is still nasty. DMSO only quiets it down a little bit. Hang in there.

TinyItalianGirl's avatar

How do you apply the DMSO? Do you dilute it? Thank you.

Ned B.'s avatar

Make sure your skin is completely clean, no soap residue, perfume, etc. I use 100% strength, but 70% is a better concentration for beginners. Patch test first (apply some to a patch of skin and wait 30 minutes to ensure no allergic reaction - happens to 1 in 2000 people). I apply with a small natural bristle (DMSO will dissolve many plastics) paint brush to a large area, wait 20 minutes for it to absorb before putting on any clothes. Good luck.

Doc Smith’s HIFNE & JP's avatar

Many of the people I work with are victims of spinal or other surgery.

Ken Hutchins's avatar

"• Altered brain pain processing—often due to chronically over-activated nerves or microstroke injuring the thalamus (which otherwise dampens pain signals). In these instances, small stimuli can be extremely painful."

In a technical context, "dampen" means "to moisten." I believe that you intended "damp" which means "to delimit change" or "to restrict."

Grazyna Samborska's avatar

DMSO arrive in two days.

I've been your long time reader and follower.

I don't take any drugs or visit doctors, but recently I derailed and voluntarily visited s hospital. This is my story:

1. I fractured my humerus on February 21. Three days later, as I wasn’t able to use my walker because of the injured arm, I dialed 911 and the ambulance driver took me to the ER in Jefferson Hospital. In admission room I provided Clover Insurance card but I wasn’t informed that the hospital is out-of-network.

2. In the hospital, I went through four sessions with the staff, two doctors and two allied health professionals. They were trying to convince me to give my consent to the COVID vaccine and tried to persuade me to agree to a CT scan of my head, without contrast, although I had fractured humerus and had no headaches or bruises on the head.

3. The radiologist informed me that the fracture of humerus is simple without any bone relocation and recommended immobilization with sling, which I already have been using.

4. After few hours another stuff member showed up and was trying to persuade me to agree to have CT scan, otherwise I would have to stay in the hospital for observation until the next day.

Exhausted and terrified, I agreed to have a CT scan.

Side effects of the coerced CT scan and multiple medications:

1. Shaky balance

2. Dizziness when bending over

3. Memory loss (onset of dementia).

Is there a way to recover or I should book a be in ;ocal hospice?

Janis Bell's avatar

Two more DMSO ‘miracles’:

after 3 days of putting DMSO on his perineum, my husband reports a reduction in urgency to urinate. He hopes a lowered PSA and reduced prostatic hyperplasia shows at his next exam.

A skin tag disappeared entirely after 1 week of using DMSO 70% gel on it — same skin tag I treated for an entire year with another product advertised for this benefit.

Thanks again AMD for your detailed posts. My sister has started using DMSO on a benign thyroid tumor that is scheduled for surgery and her husband using it for shoulder pain after a bad fall, both reporting reduced pain.

Xmen442002's avatar

Why do modern MD not look at Autoimmune disease as the very first thing to be addressed in all chronic and life-threatening diseases?

Cancer lies on the spectrum of AI, but it is completely ignored as a catalyst for Cancer and frightened clients(I don't like the word patient) are plunged into the dark forest of allopathic treatment like Bambi going in alone not knowing the wolves will devour her.

The US system of healthcare is diabolical and it will never change unless the house of cards and everyone in it is burnt to the ground with nothing surviving.

I am sorry, but I do not buy into the RFK JR MAHA movement as he's up against the AMA and the most powerful and corrupt institutions upon this planet.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

Nor do I. As RFK jr tells us all the poisons are the problem ,his boss is repealing [ pathetic] EPA restrictions on those same poisons. When it doesn't add up - it doesn't add up.

arnott's avatar

How to use DMSO for Retrolisthesis L5 S1/Dis Space reduction at L5S1?

Steve's avatar

I have an ongoing issue with bursitis in my knees and elbows. I would like to try this treatment but where and how does one go about it?

Terri Fawcett's avatar

For 18 years I have been trying to get out of chronic pain and off prednisone. The list of things I have tried (western medicine and holistic) is very long. Against what I felt was all odds, I started Orencia 2 weeks ago. I tried DMSO once (at night) a year ago and it kept me awake all night. I want to try again. I know it can heighten certain meds so I am unsure how to start. Any help would be so greatly appreciated.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

My husband has been told he needs a knee replacement. He has been kneeling on concrete for 38 years in his job. 6 years ago he had meniscus surgery and got sepsis - almost lost the leg. Has never been right since and now this. The x-rays show shows severe deterioration of the joint. I am assuming this is not reversible, but what could he expect [ reasonably ] from DMSO? I don't have a great feeling about this and he is being told surgery is the only option. Many of his colleagues have had knee replacements and think they are great. Still, I have read for years that you should hold on to what you have as long as you can. Thanks!

Mindy Jones's avatar

Would oral dosing DMSO help, not injure, a pancreatic cancer patient with F3 liver and acsites that requires paracentesis twice weekly? He uses DMSO topically.

BreakFree's avatar

Yes, I eat two Brazil nuts everyday. Does Selenium also help with arthritis?

Allan katz's avatar

Using DSMO with some success - skin - works wonders , anke , back pain. I recently did a day trek and from the day after my knee is sometimes in pain , cycling and stairs OK , walking hurts , the ultrasound talks about tibia-femor joint arthritis - having been applying DSMO - for more aggressive treatment , how many times a day , should I combine it with some muscle pain cream etc - thanks

T. Jeanne's avatar

Ok. Who - exactly - is "the pain industry"? And who is doing all the "forgetting", exactly? Who's your "they" doc??

Francie Rubin's avatar

DMSO effective for chronic migraine syndrome? My step daughter is disabled from 4 years of daily migraines post COVID vaccination. She suffered from migraines prior to but they were manageable and she could work. She uses nasal ketamine and is on an SSRI. Any contraindications? Thanks

Old_Mainer's avatar

Perhaps your caution against Tylenol could be more nuanced. Is it not true that ER cases of Tylenol poisoning are overwhelmingly people whose CYP450 enzyme is impaired by liver disease, who have pharmaceutically overloaded CYP450, who are heavy alcohol users, who have accidentally taken more than the recommended daily limit, or who have attempted suicide. I wonder what the statistics are for those of us who have "none of the above".

Pam Sarol's avatar

I have recently been diagnosed with severe stenosis of the Cspine. I have already had lumbar fusion in my lower back L4 L5 because of 90% blockage. Is there an article on spinal stenosis that I can read?

Mark Seager's avatar

I tried it but not sure. I think it may help my rheumatoid arthritis but after I started swallowing a teaspoon a day diluted in glass of water I developed strange swellings like hives. Initially they itched intensely then it swelled up. I had it on my face, hands and knees where they doubled in size. Various other times welts raised on my skin. There was no pain after the itching just mildly uncomfortable like being anaesthetised by the dentist.

I have no idea if DMSO was responsible or not but it put me off. I was proscribed fexofenadine 180mg which quickly stops the hives. I have tried the DMSO since but am wary about it. The swellings have not gone away or got worse since I started back on the DMSO but I just am suspicious.

Notsothoreau's avatar

I confess I hadn't thought of it, till I had to deal with shingles first hand, but why is there so little help to deal with the pain it causes? I actually can't use DMSO on it. Ivermectin seems to help. Advil Migraine seems to help but not something I want to keep taking.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

There is a lot of data for using DMSO for shingles (including for the pain)

Notsothoreau's avatar

I tried it but in this case, it felt like I burned my scalp. I can use cold compresses, but anything warm, icluung caspacium cream, feels like it burns.

Lisa’s Alternate Reality's avatar

Oh, I forgot! I have blk mold and aspergillus illness for 9 years! And that doesn’t help either! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️I am ok with it, I love living with microbes in my body. I have had several parasitic infections along with aspergillosis. But I am here and I am going to make it clear, use what the Lord has given us!

TDoug's avatar

Eating garbage processed food is a big factor. The body can not heal properly and it drives inflammation. Eating too much sugar, flour, and vegetable oil is very common. How many doctors tell their patients to stop eating garbage?

Baldmichael's avatar

How manydoctors even talk about diet at all? I have a facial palsy which I put down prinicipally to sodium nitrite (E250). None of those I saw asked me what I was eating.

https://baldmichael.substack.com/p/sodium-nitrite-e250-the-poison-in?utm_source=publication-search

Rosie Langridge's avatar

Dear doctor.

Here's a snippet of possibly relevant information, given the finding that DMSO can help Downs Syndrome.

In 1982 in England, a woman had a baby. Taking the baby to the GP for the baby jabs she mentioned that there were two cases of Downs in the family, near relations. In response the GP flatly refused to give the baby any vaccines.

Suggests that this is another condition caused by vaccines but blamed on genes.

Noting that 'genetic' explanations are pushed very hard these days on the general public.

Baldmichael's avatar

I am sure vaccines are a prime cause. Injecting toxic substances into a small developing body is criminal. Genetic explanations is a good excuse, albeit that no one asks if genetic defects are often caused by vaccines in the first place.

Ande's avatar

It would be of interest to apply the lense to cancer treatment drugs. These seem to be quite toxic with side effects, but have a fear primed customer base.

sue's avatar

MWD, Several months ago my friend (a strong 50yo male) had a haemorrhagic stroke, effecting his right side. Prior he had very high blood pressure, which did not respond to medication. He also suffered sleep apnoea. The medics have him on the highest dosage of meds to maintain his bp, but these wear off at night time & bp rises. He is set to visit a Glasgow bp consultant re the latter. He is scared that if he does not take the med route another stroke may occur. He says he's 'stuck between a rock & a hard place'. I sent him your article 'The Great Blood Pressure Scam' for which he is very grateful. Question: if this was your friend what would you advise? Please.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I can't say for certain without knowing all the details, but he falls into a situation where the blood pressure needs to be lowered. I would use natural methods to improve his blood pressure until it improves enough he can start lowering the blood pressure medications under a doctors supervision.

T Bod's avatar

I am desperate for my post to be answered:

We started my 2 year old son who has had extremely severe eczema since he was 3 months on DMSO and aloe in December 24’. In just over 6 weeks he looked like he was almost 100% cured. We have stayed consistent in applying it every night before bed. About 2 weeks ago I got lax at a kids birthday party and let him have some “nothing Bundt cake” that was a huge mistake because he had a terrible flare up and it has not calmed down ever since. I have tried applying the DMSO multiple times a day, been strict with his diet, and have even increased his percentage from 20 to 25%. His little body is so inflamed that he screams and cries that it burns when I apply it now. I am desperate here, it almost feels like we are back to square one. Is his body just not responding to the DMSO anymore? Am I doing something wrong?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

With any luck once the flare calms down DMSO will work again. At this stage you probably want to work with an integrative doctor who can address the underlying causes of his autoimmunity or use a conventional therapy if that isn't doable.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

Try curcumin with bioperine, but make sure you research dosage for body weight. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Also try warm bath with baking soda. Look up the amount to put in the tub.

T Bod's avatar

Do you have any brand recommendations?

aprayerformonkey's avatar

https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-superior-herbs-curcumin-complex-350-mg-120-veg-caps

When I had 'covid', the stomach pain was unbearable and unrelenting. I could not eat. In desperation, I tried these. I took 2 3x a day. In 48 hours I had almost complete relief. That was my experience. Also I think there might be toxins inside the body as our skin is red flag for what's going on inside . I searched the internet and found gut dysbiosis as a cause, but of course NEVER mentions vaccines. I would also get VSL 3. It's expensive, but it works and do as AMD says and get to an integrative doctor - not a doctor that only gets paid if your child stays sick. But the elephant in the room is vaccination. What shots has he gotten?

T Bod's avatar

He’s never had any vax. And I had a homebirth with him. The only thing that I can think of is is that my husband and I moved to a city with extremely bad water quality at the time of my pregnancy and delivery (we have since moved) but I was drinking that water my whole pregnancy before I knew better. And we do go to an integrative doctor and he’s has been tested for all types of allergens and mold. He is allergic to quite a bit which we have done our best to keep him free of.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

So glad no vax! You probably saved his life. Allergies are a deranged immune system and the immune system starts in the gut. I would optimize this. Also read on this site about zeta potential and cell danger response. When we are in a state of dis-ease, all manner of things become out of balance. The body senses danger and the vicious circle of fight or flight begins. I would definitely try the VSL-3 and the curcumin. If you think the water was a problem, there are tests for heavy metals and detox protocols. I mean this planet is poisoned. It could be anything or everything. Sad.

T Bod's avatar

I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day for your response! I am going to try the things you said! Thank you so much. God bless you and your loved ones!

Magical Egypt's avatar

Can anyone one speak to its uses for Migraine perhaps?

JustANobody's avatar

I had issues. I figured out it was too little salt. I use a few crystals of sea salt under tongue. Also magnesium oil really helps. I use a couple times weeklyon my feet. Careful as it can dry skin andcause eeling in excess.

Don Midwest's avatar

I had lower back problems for 40 years, three sessions with physical therapists, but I have had no problems since using Stuart McGill big 3 exercises. Curl. Bird dog and side planks. His readable book is "Back Mechanic: The Secret to a healthy spine your doctor is not telling you."

A 4 year old video which now has almost 900,000 views was eye opening. Well worth watching to learn and see models of parts of the back and problem areas.

It is on the Bob and Brad physical therapy show. They start their show with the joke "the most famous physical therapists on the internet -- in our opinion."

#1 Back Pain Expert in the World! Dr. Stuart McGill

Bob & Brad 5.29M subscribers 887K views 4 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbPavwB9H0M

Bob and Brad are now retired and someone else bought the name of the business

Steve's avatar

I have chronic neck pain that started many years ago. PT, acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractic... no relief. I insisted the pain was nerve related but denied by those from whom I sought treatment. I was told the scalene muscle was the problem...but it's not!!!!

June 8th, 2025 i had and MRI. The result indicated at C4-5 there is a compression of the spinal cord, The radiologist who read the scan told the neurosurgeon, actually called him immediately suggesting that my condition was highly dangerous meaning that any injury could risk up to and including paraylisis.

I've dealt with this for a long time. Neck, head, shoulder, arm and hand. Always in pain but I keep going. DMSO has helped knock down the pain a bit but it seems like this may be headed to surgery. Any opinions?

Asolari's avatar

Wow. I’ve been reading all these comments because I’m in the exact same boat as you. C5/C6 spinal cord compression and same emergency surgery recommended. Told any fall could paralyze me. So much for skiing but even a fall down steps or a car accident. This is terrible news to receive. I’m still processing but a foot surgery I had went terribly wrong. The surgery can also paralyze or kill us. Darn. If you want to compare notes or resources or just talk to someone in same position, please reach out.

Steve's avatar

Well, life is a risk isn't it. I look at things a bit differently. At the age of 13 i was nearly killed in a football accident. I'm now 72 and have played baseball for 60 years, still play tournament baseball as a catcher.. I've had a right shoulder AC separation, left bursa surgery all years ago and within the last 5 years my left long bicep tendon is torn and my left rotator has a full thickness tear both which have not been repaired and have no effect on my baseball activity. Full range of motion with no discomfort just a bit of overhead weakness. I opted out of surgery. I decided that if it all goes bad shoulder replacements are more successful than a rotator repair.

So, when I received the diagnosis I decided that I would continue as I have been doing for a while longer. Being an avid baseball player and blue crab trapper I'll wait until the the late fall to have surgery. I already have C5-6 fused in 1989.

They suggested pain management but the DMSO helps me get through some of the difficult days. I've lived with this for so long and do all I want to do so a few more months should work.

I do understand the concern but having been through this for years and for 6 months had a chiropractor do the neck crack thing, he was thinking the entire time it was just an adjustment issue and was certain he could resolve it.

My view is I live life but one time. Risks are everywhere. If I were to go the surgical route now that means an entire year losing out on the things that I like to do and at my age I don't know how many more years I can play. I didn't mention but I still play with my 43 year old son and can still catch an 85 mph fastball. I also played in Norway 2 years ago against one of their national teams.

We make reasonable assessments about how we live and when it's necessary to surrender to things like surgery I want to do it on my terms if I can.

Let me make one comment about the "fall" thing. A year ago I was rounding third on my way home when my left hamstring tore (minor) I went down, hit my head and came out of the event with s bit of time to restore the hamstring. I have been hit in the head by a pitched ball, I have fallen backwards over my compound miter saw while on a build and survived that as well. Maybe I've been lucky but you must also keep in mind that when something like this diagnosis occurs they are going to share worst case scenarios out of concern and to protect themselves from suits.

However, I must close by saying my surgeon is practical. He said any of us could end up in a life threatening situation from a fall or injury but we must weight risk/ benefit. If the problem worsens then it will be time to accelerate the timeline.

Good Luck

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Asolari's avatar

Steve, I commented below meaning for you but it didn’t show up under yours. Please see my comment as it was to you.

Bryan Manson's avatar

A certain "oddball Dr. Ken Berry" says Age-related Macular Degeneration should be renamed Food-based Macular Degeneration.

I've learned a lot from him...and like minded Drs. The oddballs.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

At some point I am going to write a detailed article on macular degeneration.

Kurt King's avatar

For pain my body always responds to vitamin C - a gram at a time (maybe 2g at first for quicker start) with water up to every 2 hours.

Mina Cate's avatar

Just a thank you ... your longer pain article introduced me to prolotherapy. The specialist said I'm a better candidate for PRP, which I recently had and am currently recovering from. I've had chronic pain from a bad shoulder for 15 years (rejected from PT and even surgery; opioids help a bit but I can't get them as I don't "show" pain). Topical DMSO almost completely controls the pain! I want functionality, hence the PRP. Both of which I learned about through your substack -- thank you for introducing the world to real medicine through readable, well researched and well cited articles. I've made more strides toward health from this substack than from any other medical resource I've ever found.

Explorer's avatar

I'd be surprised if I were the only one whose constant neck pain disappeared after the first two 325mg Bayer aspirin tablets.

One tablet a day thereafter and nearly 100% effective, for about a year now. And no adverse effects. Wonder drug from willow bark.

Jan's avatar

Where is a reputable place to buy DMSO? I keep reading about here and from Dr Mercola. I’m not sure I trust Amazon. And do you need a Dr for dosage? I have herniated disc and many other joints with arthritis. TYSM

fuzzi redeux's avatar

I buy my DMSO from The DMSO Store on eBay, but they do sell on Amaz0n as well.

Dee's avatar

I use it on my hands for scleroderma pain sometimes 2 roll on apps a day. Then I won't have any pain for a week then look out and DMSO knocks it down right now and keeps it there.

Ashleigh Bernier's avatar

I need this for my fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and many other things I suffer from due to these. I’m just not sure on doses or how to take this.

Ashleigh Bernier's avatar

There are no protocols or where to get! How can I obtain that information?

Defender of Freedom's avatar

I take regular Aspirin, not buffered, every day for nerve pain in ulcers on my lower leg,...it's not perfect but it helps a lot. If it's really bad though I have to add Aleve. I try not to, it's bad in so many ways, but the Pain is like FIRE on my leg.

I tried DMSO,....it only burned the Ulcers (70%), and the perfume in it was even worse! I did get another brand with NO perfume,...but my Holistic Doctor whom I trust said he didn't think it was a good idea on deep open ulcers. I'm using a Burn/Wound salve with Honey, Lanolin and a few other thing in it. Amish medicine! He told me to find some one who sells Burdock Leaves to put the Salve on, before wrapping it,.....I am looking now.

It seems to be working encouraging the skin to heal from underneath, but the swelling and the nerve pain are still bad just above the Ulcers. Lymph problems I believe. Any way I did try the DMSO you suggested, just didn't quite work, too painful.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Concentration was too high.

Don's avatar

DMSO with perfume??? That's just wrong.

Bridget's avatar

EDS pain is hard to treat and endure.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

A key part of managing EDS is rebuilding the ligaments with manganese and to a much lesser extent prolotherapy.

Bridget's avatar

I take 10 mg of Manganese daily. Haven’t tried prolo though. Just diagnosed with dry Macular Degeneration at 62 as well.

Unapologetically Me's avatar

For the dry macular degeneration: dark berries and dark leafy greens. Plus lutein.

My mum eats blueberries & raspberries daily, plus spinach and kale, etc.

Cured my mother's dry disease within 2 years. This was back in 2003. Her opthalmologist and optometrist was baffled.

She has continued that daily "eye health" regime to this day. No sign of macular degeneration. (She is 92.) Take that anecdotal data for what it's worth. 😉

Lllechten's avatar

I used to make a berry and kale/ spinach smoothie and drink it every morning. Unfortunately for me, it lead to me getting kidney stones. I didn't make that connection until I asked the urologist what could be causing them. He said berries, nuts and dark greens, like spinach and kale, basically everything that's healthy for you that I ate daily. I'd never had kidney stones until I started that regimen. My brother continued to drink those smoothies and continued to get kidney stones.

Margo's avatar

Oxalates especially spinach!

LightShiner's avatar

I’m not dx with EDS, although I definitely have hypermobility, and there is EDS in my family. It’s become worse as I have got older (currently early 40’s), but for me, a few things are working. (1) Wise movement - I use the Zebra Club workouts which are very gentle and have given me so much insight into how I can move without flinging my joints around at the end of their range. (2) Nutrition - I take AG1, and generally feel SO much better with it. It turns out it has manganese in it which I suspect accounts for some of the improvement. (3) I’ve had good results from Platelet Rich Plasma treatment for a long-standing shoulder problem. It’s still early days, but three days post the first injection, I could sleep on that side, something I’d been unable to do for a couple of years. Hope you find some relief!

Bridget's avatar

EDS, the gift that keeps on giving. I wear a long back brace under my tops. It helps tremendously. You might want to try one. I think this is something we should be offered by doctors right away because you feel so good with strong posture. The brand I use is Coretech. I know some would worry about weakening their core, but with EDS, your core is dissolving anyway so why not protect your spine and neck now? I wish I would have known of this brace when I figured out on my own I had this disorder at 47. It took a bright pain doctor several years later to suggest it.

LightShiner's avatar

Thank you for the recommendation - I’ll bear it in mind!

janean's avatar

I use dmsostore.com

There is no garlic smell and it is 99.995% pure.

Kurt's avatar

How do we decide to buy which brand of DMSO? There are so many (European market). Are they all the same? Or how to distinguish between 'good' and 'not so good'? Can anyone plase give some helpfull advice? Many thanks!

Bergamotte's avatar

I tripped over a garden hose that didn’t belong on the sidewalk. I fell very hard and bashed the frontal lateral aspect of my right knee on the concrete. No bony injury, but gross swelling of the soft tissues around my knee and below it on either side of my shin. Over the next hour I drove home. Reaching home I had so much muscle pain (8 out of 10) that I was calling out in pain, inching along, hardly walking, and hanging onto furniture while making my way to my medicine chest. My knee was swollen to the size of a melon. The joint itself did not hurt, but the knee muscles were so stiff they were like a brick around the joint. I could hardly flex it and so tried not to!

I have DMSO 99.9% liquid. I sat in a chair and applied it generously topically, undiluted, to the areas of swelling and pain and gently massaged it in. After another hour I re-applied it. That was ALL I did for my knee, apart from elevating it—no anti-inflammatories or painkillers. Two hours after I first applied the DMSO, the pain had settled to 5 out of 10. The pain continued to decrease throughout the day. The next morning I was reluctant to sit up in bed and fearful to stand, but I was surprised to find the knee was no longer stiff, and there was no pain per se, just a mild ache. I could walk comfortably. The swelling was reduced by half. Since then my knee has healed fairly well. I will never be without DMSO in the future.

Karen's avatar

What is DMSO and where can I buy this? Thanks

Darlene J Forshey's avatar

I have had IC Painful bladder for 35 years. I have had bladder instillation with this product and other but I am prone to bladder infections and it seemed every time they through a catheter I would get an infection. I would be thankful if you explain to me how use this externally

Dreama R Billups's avatar

2 tsp in how much water? Drinking all at once? Or, throughout the day? I'm ready to try this!

Upstate💜's avatar

I need some help if possible. My 19 year old son, all of a sudden became allergic to ibuprofen. How does this happen? What should he take for inflammation, pain, etc. for normal life activities? The only thing the doctors recommend is Tylenol. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Alan Stewart's avatar

I have found kraton 7-OH to be highly effective for chronic back pain. Though it can be addictive it is easily managed and much safer than opioids. It also increases energy and mood, helps you work instead of dulling you. Kennedy doing a great job of protecting the billions made by big pharma from opioids when safer and more effective alternatives available.

Ben's avatar

Hi, what should I buy for chronic muscle/fascia pain body wide? Can I drink DMSO? Thank you

Julie Bradsher's avatar

Can I purchase DMSO from most anywhere it is sold, and expect that it is the real thing? I purchased a cream from Amazon and I am not sure if I was sold what I thought I was buying!

Maria Martinez's avatar

Could you please share information how I can purchase DMSO in Spain ? Or any information that could help me find people involved with it ? Thank you so much !!!!

Mat Roostercamp's avatar

Hope someone can help. Last year I experienced extreme nerve pain in my leg. A mri showed that I have a schwannoma (nerve tumor) in my L4. And it seems to keep growing slowly. They tried radio pulse frequency therapy which helps against the pain.

I have read a lot about dmso on this Substack. But I am not sure if it works with schwannomas. Do I have to use it topically or orally. And is there anyone with experience with Schwannoma and dmso ?

Thank you in advance

Regards Mat

Annie Koenig's avatar

Please, can someone tell me the protocol using DMSO for tinnitus?

Taffy's avatar

DMSO is amazing! But if anyone is considering any spinal or back surgery because of disc compression/displacement on nerves don’t! I had severe sciatica with multiple discs compressing the nerves. I literally could barely walk without excruciating pain and lying down the nerve pains pinged all over my foot and lower ankle. Didn’t sleep for weeks. I followed Dr Sarno for a bit but it only got worse so had to get a primary md and she ordered an MRI… 2 days later she called and wanted me to see a spinal surgeon asap as I was heading toward cauda equina syndrome… loss of bowel and bladder function and paralysis. I declined (only on gabapentin which I reluctantly took) . My nephew told his chiro about me and said send her down here. After he saw my mri he said I’m a perfect candidate…. It’s spine med therapy. I live on an island so the trip to NJ was painful but just lied in backseat.. barely able to walk. After about 2 1/2 weeks I could walk without the excruciating pain and by the end of 6 weeks I was off gabapentin. From someone who was asking God to take her to being able to walk a mile now in 1/2 hr without pain is amazing. I do use the dmso combined with a thc cream on back that’s literally being stretched after the treatment and opening up the disc spaces.

Stephen Jaskowiak's avatar

I had to stop taking it. My wife couldn’t tolerate the impact on breath and body odor. It can be quite unpleasant

Alex's avatar

My wife has suffered from facial and mouth pain for 3 years due to dental surgery gone wrong. She's been on all sorts of pain killers which haven't helped in the slightet. Does anyone know the best way and doseage to apply dmso? Would it be a pray onto her gums? Or maybe onto the outer cheek and let it soak though? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Ben Eng's avatar

What is the recommended dosing for chronic pain (i.e., spinal)?

Mabel Parrilla's avatar

Is the DMSO topical gel sauve safe for use during pregnancy for sciatic pain? Could someone respond.. Thank You!!

The Composers' Desk's avatar

This is profile of yours is so good and so needed in today's medicine 💊 culture! Wow. I'm so glad I found these posts!

Alora Riley's avatar

where can i purchase quality DMSO

Andy Y West's avatar

I suspect it’s mechanism of action is related to calcium channels, glutamate and GABA.

james's avatar

Recommendations for DMSO guidebooks, particularly one with multiple protocols… interested in eye drops at the moment

Alora Riley's avatar

I have a patient who has severe pain from spinal cord injury, from GSW. On high dose opioids, gabapentin etc and still lives with very high level pain. I am trying to track down his imaging. Has there been any success stories in cases like these?

VKE8UMK's avatar

Thank you. And I will see what I can find out too. There’s also stuff id like to run by you but not in public view. Is this space secure?

Joe Anstett's avatar

In 1924, Dr Walter Alwens, a top doctor at a leading German research hospital in Frankfurt, wrote the following.

“Although Strontium bromide may not be regarded as a fully-fledged substitute for morphine, there is still the possibility of preventing morphinism in patients suffering from long-lasting illnesses accompanied by pain.” …

Strontium is sole OTC in the USA as a nutritional supplement. Dr Alwens also achieved significant pain relief with moderately high oral doses of Strontium lactate, but used injected doses of strontium bromide in severe cases. (Bromides are toxic and currently non-japproved).

Strontium works be downgrading synapes, neurotransmitters, inflammation and cytokines. It also protects the mitochondria and has been historically used for numerous other conditions.

I believe it is time that strontium be given a second look as a treatment for pain.

https://joeanstett.substack.com/p/your-nerves-on-strontium-part-1

https://joeanstett.substack.com/p/your-nerves-on-strontium-part-3-a

Linda Gilkison's avatar

Will this help relieve the pain from a spinal fusion?

Leener's avatar

Can this work for headaches? What is the most reliable place to purchase it and how do I know what dosage?

Tom Federo's avatar

Where can I find a physician who is knowledgeable in the treatment with DMSO

LY's avatar

What source do you use for DMSO and what percentage in particular for Osteonecrosis of the 2nd metatarsal head with mild articular surface flattening and surrounding marrow

edema (Freiberg's infraction).

Ms Good's avatar

Has Midwestern Dr recommended a good source for DMSO? I see some in the comments, but would love to hear from the Dr himself. I asked our local funcational medicine doc and she was not aware of where to get it for humans.

Jan Van C's avatar

Is there anyone out there treating scleroderma (SLE) with DMSO? Would love to hear how to get the best results so I can treat my wife. She's had SLE for 12 years and taken a wheelbarrow full of pills. That simply cannot be good! I'm hoping that at least I can restore some if the damage to her hands. That would make such a huge difference for her, also psychologically. She had the most beautiful and dexterous hands before getting this awful disease. I believe she got it after receiving a flu shot, but it's impossible to prove.

Bobby's avatar

Where would I be able to get this please

RTR1745's avatar

I've had 4 thoracic back surgeries, then TBI with leg and ankle fractures . I have crazy arthritis all over, so I have used all the opiods, NSAIDS,and gabapentin. I have had to stop the naproxyn and ibuprofen due to kidney issues. I was on gabapentin and I had to get off that due to having the opposite effect when I took rhem.

I tried the DMSO and had total pain relief where applied. Relief only lasted 2 hours and I can't apply to my spinal area.

If they could make some that could be tolerated by intestinal system, I would probably have little or no pain. Has this been done for anyone?

Brenda Dyson's avatar

I'm glad to hear about DMSO. I'd like to add that others forms of therapy that had also been nearly deleted from the repertoire of possibilities thanks to the Flexner report and turf wars within healthcare also can be tremendously helpful. I practice several of these modalities and the underlying structural cause, emotional contributions and nutritional/herbal needs are all addressed: I practice craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, neural manipulation, Rolfing and various forms of massage. I refer to skilled chiropractors, including network chiropractors and acupuncturists. My masters degree in functional nutrition is also helpful but if I didn't have that knowledge, I'd refer to someone who did. All of these modalities are practiced around the world. It's just rare to get referrals from mainstream doctors. I do but it's because I've been practicing for over 30 years and the word has made its way to doctors' ears. Anyone suffering from back pain may benefit by finding practitioners who have skills in bodywork.

Kathryn Calabria's avatar

First heard of DMSO from a patient I was interviewing while a 4th year med student in 1984

. And then not again until your article. Have since had conversations with docs who, like yourself, used to use it IV. Where can I get training on this?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I don't know if it exists so I am trying to put all the information out here, and it will make a lot more sense with subsequent part of the series.

Janis Bell's avatar

I took DMSO gel to Italy and walked so many miles that the soles of my feet ached. DMSO restored them.

But using it for a week on my eyelids and temples has been disastrous. Much blurrier vision, more aware of blinking lights internally and harder to ignore them mentally to focus on what I can see.

Doug Cragoe's avatar

I'm looking forward to your next articled on DMSO which will help me decide which product to buy. I'm looking for some relief from tennis elbow pain and a back strain. But there are a lot of different DMSO products on Amazon which contain other ingredients that help pain but also some things I don't want absorbed into my body like fragances. So it's hard to figure out which one to buy.

Lola's avatar

Where do you get DSMO?

Marjolein's avatar

My 19 year old daughter has spondylolisthesis, grade 2.

Grade 2 spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips forward by 26-50% of its width, causing lower back pain and potential nerve compression.

We do not know if it has a congenital or an acquired cause. She did do a lot of gymnastics at a relatively high level for years.

Could DMSO possibly help out here as well?

I expect it to help with the pain, which we usually help relieve with massage, but I was wondering whether DMSO might help 'fix' the condition. I am afraid not since it seems to me that it's a 'construction error' in the body but as there are so many conditions DMSO can help I was wondering if anyone has any experience in this particular area.

We are (of course) going to try and see what it does for her.

Riff Raffer's avatar

I came across this comment on another substack & my first thought was that the attacks on DMSO have started. I also burst out laughing!

https://markcrispinmiller.substack.com/p/many-many-more-strange-drawings-why/comment/125417331?r=15kloy&utm_medium=ios

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I have to say, that is not a DMSO attack I've heard yet. The transport is limited by how much DMSO is there, but even when they dipped rats in vats of DMSO, many still survived.

Riff Raffer's avatar

Interesting - thank you for that. So perhaps I shouldn’t have laughed quite that hard 😬

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Also lots of people put DMSO on their skin and then take baths!

RJ O'Guillory's avatar

...the problem with all pain control...is the diversity of the pain distribution and the cause, or combination of factors leading to the pain. I'm 65...and have knee pain, back pain and hip pain, along with the occasional elbow and wrist pain. However....in my youth...I broke both wrists pretty badly...and had my hand and fingers broken in accidents and abuse by my Father. At the age of 49...I unknowingly drove a car after a seizure...and drove off a 200 foot cliff at 70mph. I was ripped out of the spinning car and tossed down into the canyon. I broke my back and neck in multiple places, along with six broken ribs, a crushed tailbone and a huge gash to my brain. So where does my pain begin? Is my pain from aging? Is my pain from the prior injuries? Or...is my pain from simply not managing my aging properly? Once I've warmed up...doing outside work or anything physical, after the first ten minutes after the lactic acid burns up and that "fatigued feeling" dissipates...if I've stretched properly...most of my back pain is reduced to a minor inconvenience. We need to study pain in relation to aging and prior injury, before we prescribe drugs to mask the pain.

CK's avatar

I recently started using DMSO to help with pain associated with spinal stenosis. My spine seems to be disintegrating but it’s most severe between C3 and C6 (although my lumbar is starting to catch up).

My chronic issue is in my neck. I also, stubbornly, still lift weights though I’ve given up squats and all overhead stuff. I had some acute pain in my shoulder, elbows and bicep from a combination of the lifting and probably the stenosis.

The DMSO has really helped with the acute pain. I’ve taken this week off from exercising and my body feels really good, even my neck feels much better - a lot less popping and crackling than usual. I’d like to mix something with the DMSO for my spine to perhaps start some healing - if that’s even possible. I’ve considered trying CBD oil followed by DMSO, we will see.

I’m going to start lifting again next week, starting with light weights and slowly working back up while continuing to apply DMSO. 🤞🏻

Margo's avatar

Dr Arsis has been promoting nicotine patches (cut up in quarters) to help with inflammation and pain. I am hoping you, A Midwestern Doctor, can comment on this modality.

Man-i's avatar

Im an ophthalmologist in private practice in New Jersey since 1999. Im 57 yo. I've had a cevical spinal fusion , one level C 6-7 and a lumbar lamintomy in 2020.

I have bulging discs and annular fissures at ALL of my lumbar spinal levels.

I've had mutiple injections with marcaine and steroids.

The Columbia Univ dept of ortho lumbar spine division rec that I fuse ALL 4 levels of my lumbar spine.

There were several other groups that rec insertion of artificial disc replacement "ADR" ( the PRODISC L) device at 2 levels, L3-4/ 4-5 and fusion of L2/3

There are only a few groups in the world that are comfortable inserting THREE ADRs. One surgeon is Todd Lanman in Beverly Hills CA. He has a team, which includes very skilled VASCULAR surgeons and plastic surgeons , who can get ACCESS to the spine through the FRONT . The ADRs have to be inserted through the FRONT; an incision is made through the midline belly button area.

Once a person has demonstrated nerve root compression, disc space narrowing and pain from an ANNULAR fissure, surgery is indicated and often extremely sucessful at reliving pain. THe problem is fusions limit motion . And the adjacent levels that are not fused wear out faster.

The artificial disc replacements are conisdered experimental by many insurance companies and not all docs are comfortable using them.

THe FDA only has approved the devices for use at TWO levels.

Many of the docs who do these are OUT OF NETWORK

which makes the price of the surgery similar to a fully loaded luxury SUV.

aprayerformonkey's avatar

I was cringing as you related your situation. I am so sorry.

Steve's avatar

I have an ongoing issue with bursitis in my knees and elbows. I would like to try this treatment but where and how does one go about it?

Baldmichael's avatar

Thank you for exposing the pain industry. My obseravtion is that the majoity of pharmaceutical drugs are neurotoxic to varying degrees and mask symptoms rather than address the causes.

What is over looked is the need of the body for clean water. We are after all some 75-80% water.

https://baldmichael.substack.com/p/paracetamol-branded-as-tylenol-calpol?utm_source=publication-search

Bevo's avatar

Hi Team, is there any info on how DMSO works on inflamed thyroid gland or over reactive/under reactive conditions?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Covered part of it in the autoimmune article, and will cover the rest in a later article.

Bevo's avatar

Excellent thanks.

Terri Fawcett's avatar

For 18 years I have been trying to get out of chronic pain and off prednisone. The list of things I have tried (western medicine and holistic) is very long. Against what I felt was all odds, I started Orencia 2 weeks ago. I tried DMSO once (at night) a year ago and it kept me awake all night. I want to try again. I know it can heighten certain meds so I am unsure how to start. Any help would be so greatly appreciated.

Ken Hutchins's avatar

Your platform and articles are a great, if incomplete, relief to my frustrations about the medical community. I enjoy hearing your viewpoints.

I am the son of a GP who staunchly defended the herd in his early career and then began to see its many inconsistencies. My sisters claim to have evidence that his doctors killed him for his observations.

I am 73 years old and crippled due to Still’s Disease—I believe largely due to the malnutrition (specifically Vitamin D deficiency) resulting from a long hospital stay.

I strongly disagree with your following sentence: “Physical therapists typically focus on strengthening rather than stretching/releasing tight muscles.”

I assert [I have written 25 books and over 200 articles on the subject.] just the opposite: Physical therapists typically focus on vacuous stretching and steady-state activities rather than on the strengthening that patients need to relax tight muscles and to add dynamic stability around lax joints. [If a muscle is thoroughly fatigue via exercise, it must relax.]

I have personally witnessed large increases in range of motion in joints that were subjected to static-only exercise.

What’s more, physical therapists are inept with exercise. And the only activity that serves as meaningful exercise is strengthening exercise. Without strengthening, an activity performed for exercise purposes is a waste of time. It’s tantamount to playing tiddlywinks.

The fundamental principle of exercise is inroad. "Inroad" refers to the depth of momentary fatigue as a pathway to achieve a growth stimulus.

Although I have no way to know if inroad has been the subject of research in some remote area of the world (other than with my associates), I am fairly confident that it is not mentioned in any exercise physiology, physical therapy, physical medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, or coaching journals.

And inroad is the key to a definition for exercise. (Elaborated in the first article at seriousexercise.com.)

What one universally finds in so-called exercise research is a grammatical miscarriage of another term for "steady-state." Another highly successful sales funnel is achieved by cleverly conflating "aerobic metabolism" with "Aerobics activity." Note that "aerobic" is an adjective and "Aerobics" (correctly written) is a proper noun. "Aerobics" and "aerobic" are not equivalents and are not interconnected. However, most of Western medicine has succumbed to this scam.

The cardiologists have been thoroughly duped by the Aerobics (steady-state) nonsense while they preach from the pulpit of Frank and Starling. They foolishly miss the fact that superior stroke volume, backwash, and cardiac perfusion are a result of strengthening exercise and made impossible with the pathetic venous return of steady-state activity.

Another sales funnel (to borrow your excellent phrase) is Sports Medicine. It is a scam to sucker the average Joe into the belief that he will get the same excellent orthopedics as Joe Namath or some other celebrity he aligns with. My word for it is "Jock Medicine."

I recommend reading the free information at seriousexercise.com

And for many of those concerned with back pain, I recommend reading "Recent Success Stories..." It is the 16th article in the lineup at seriousexercise.com. The equipment illustrated is expensive, but inexpensive alternatives can be made or adapted.

Expand full comment
T. Jeanne's avatar

Dont you mean, "What Myself & My Colleagues Have Refused to Acknowledge, Much Less Address, About Treating Pain"

?

Jeremy Poynton's avatar

Hi MWD. Love your articles. I'm 6'5" and whilst a very fit and active (Carnivore, cold tubs, river swimming, obsessive gardening, probe to sciatica and lower back, sacro-iliac problems.

If bad, my wife's needs (30 years Acupuncturist) work - she has long needles for tight glute muscles, which can make them do a huge twitch! But work

Now, thanks to your articles, I used DMSO all the time. Find the gel easier to apply; my back pain usually worse when I get up, but cold water and a dog walk usually fixes it. Apply DMSO and it's already fixed. Neck helped hugely (Going carnivore helped hugely, didn't crackle when turned, and a clear 10 degrees extra on both sides. Orthopaedic pillow huge help as well), so I use it there as well, and on my housemaid's (aka gardener's elbow).

Great stuff. Wouldn't be without it now

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

STEVE SHIRLEY's avatar

As someone who treated chronic pain for 32 years as a massage therapist, Chiropractor and rehabilitation specialist, here is my observations on your articles:

-There is an under-emphasis here on the psychological basis of chronic pain. I highly recommend you read more of the research on the Biopsychosocial model. Explain Pain by David Butler is a nice starting point. This changed my practice, and my results. I could go on here, but empowering the patient made tremendous results at times. Included is the concept that “pain does not equal harm”.

-Tight muscles are often caused by an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, particularly over-dominance of the sympathetic nervous system. Restoration of diaphragmatic breathing, often assisted with manual therapy, is the first step in restoring this balance. This integrates nicely with mindfulness training and yoga, both of which reduce muscle “tone” or tension.

-As you alluded to for alignment, spinal misalignments cause focal muscle tightness, if not outright spasm, that can be relieved with manual therapy and restored to normal through exercise, of most any kind.

-Systemic inflammation from food sensitivities causes many people’s pain. Personally, my knee pain improved dramatically when I got off of gluten.

Best of luck to those with chronic pain. There are many good things written here. My basic recommendations are:

-Quit eating crap.

-Sleep well.

-Move it or lose it. Any movement is good.

-Lift heavy things.

-BREATHE!

-Heal your mind, body and spirit.

-See one, or several, body workers regularly. A good Chiropractor and massage therapist works wonders. If they don’t specialize in exercise, find a good Physical Therapist. Acupuncture can be helpful for many.

Cheers.

Leskunque Lepew's avatar

Thank you so much for all you do.

Blessings upon you.

Debra Weissman's avatar

What is a good source for DMSO for skin application? I have been warned that Amazon has many counterfeit products for sale.

Lllechten's avatar

They have the jars for topical use at farm supply stores. Ours has 99% pure DMSO gel.

Don Midwest's avatar

Update on my use of DMSO on a painful hip. DMSO didn't work.

I went to my myofascial therapist and she determined that my scoliosis had resulted in hips that were not level. She said that regular physical therapy can deal with this.

I just started regular physical therapy. The simple exercises with many sets and repetitions, are difficult but I am encouraged. Something I learned recently is the importance of the release stage of an exercise for the muscles. For example, in a curl, rest at the top and slowly lower the weight. I am using the pause stage of the exercises before slowly reverse the movement.

In summary, DMSO didn't fail. I had a structural problem that requires muscle, tendon, fascia, and other work.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

DMSO also tends to be less effective for the hip due to the size and depth of the joint.

Pat Sz's avatar

I was taking about less than a teaspoon almost everyday and sometime a 70/30 dilution topically. My son said I smelled bad and he was a couple feet away from me. I'm trying to find a balance. Is only topical the way to go to reduce smell? I can't smell it but don't want to embarrass myself when I'm out.

Irie's avatar

Midwestern Doc-PRice says not to take NAC and provides a study. Can you do an article on supplements such as NAC? What do you think of sniffing BPC157?

Nina Geraghty's avatar

I have a mysterious skin condition - nothing visible - but a searing pain and hyper-sensitivity on my abdomen (almost like post herpetic pain from shingles only I haven't had shingles) and over my liver area as if my skin has been burned and all the nerve endings are inflamed. DMSO helps almost immediately which I use in conjunction with a hydrogel of aloe, lavender, carrot extract and colloidal silver. Saved me from having to take NSAIDS. Thank you for your info and encouragement. The times inbetween applications get longer - from twice daily to every 2 days now. Anything to be done about the garlic taste in the mouth side effect? I'm In South Africa with only one brave supplier that I can find.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

This might be abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome

wkenn's avatar

AMD: Such an abundance of useful information exists within what you write.

This reply regarding back injury pain management is about acupuncture as a viable treatment meriting serious consideration.

I have followed the hyperlinks you (AMD) provide, read each post, landed back in 2023, and eventually found acupuncture. I wanted to read any observations you had on this particular treatment.

The following might be a bit long. I provide it in the interest of opening this door as a possibility for others to explore. I was trained never to keep results to myself, rather, share them widely. It is how we grow the body of knowledge and expertise.

My experience with back pain falls into the trauma category. Occupational injuries x12 significant enough to seek medical care.

Along the way I had meds prescribed. Either they didn’t work as advertised or when I took a deeper dive I came to similar conclusions as you (AMD) relate in your presentations of select prescription drug topics. To wit: I didn’t want these roaming around in my body.

PT was marginally useful. By documented injury #12 it really seemed to be exacerbating the problem in my particular case. However, I went along with the program until it became obvious (both to me and to the PT people) this back injury (#12) would permanently impact my ability to function in my chosen medical occupation.

The meds prescribed for this lengthy series of injuries all had side effects and adverse reactions. My background and training, along with occupational practice, provided many tools for comprehending the implications of allowing these meds into my body. Essentially, all meds are toxins, proceed with caution, understand the risk:benefit ratio.

Fortunately, which I partially attribute to being a health system 'insider' who chose physicians well, I landed with a physiatrist in a rehab hospital as an outpatient. The surgical opinions I received both ruled out surgery. Both surgeons were slow to cut, long on exhausting other avenues first. The physiatrist recommended a trial of acupuncture and had an excellent provider for the referral.

Acupuncture has very little downside. Needle trepidation is a factor for some patients. A good practitioner will be skilled in working through this factor with the patient. For those with higher tolerance levels, the needles are more a curiosity item, as in “how does it work’.

When I asked this question, the answer was ‘not really sure, it appears to move and redirect pain perception and pathways, which involves internal bodily energy, and has a 3,000 year history’. Such is Chinese medicine.

Readers: Be open to the other systems, in addition to traditional Western medicine, available on this planet.

The history-taking is extensive. One will be hard pressed to find this comprehensive assessment of social, psychological, familial, past medical history, occupational, lifestyle, diet, sleep habits and others I’ve forgotten, all rolled into the initial contact and evaluation session with the acupuncturist.

The upside: somewhere on average between one and four sessions it will be evident if the treatment is working on not. As explained to me during the first meeting, it is very cost efficient compared to PT, which might take six months for positive results to appear.

I will inject here I am in no way diminishing the potential benefits of PT. I spent many months in PT. It was not working for me this time. Possibly it was the cumulative effect of too many injuries.

Acupuncture is a different approach to pain management. It works for many, it does not work for all. The positive results are either fairly immediate or it is not going to work for the particular patient. PT works for many, it does not work for all. A skilled physical therapist can work wonders. Choose well, do the research.

In my particular case, with a very strong background in Western medicine, I was so impressed I took a three month seminar at the New England School of Acupuncture to increase my understanding of this ancient practice. It is a different method, with its own vocabulary, likely quite foreign to someone trained in Western medicine, along with its 3,000 year history.

Let me be clear, and this was thoroughly and emphatically explained to me by the acupuncturist: ‘I didn’t repair anything, I redirected the pain to other nerve and energy pathways. The back (disc herniation) injury still physically exists. Don’t think you can go out and do activities like moving furniture without consequences’.

Where all this leads is, based on personal experience:

- Western medicine has its place. Surgery done ethically, appropriately, and skillfully is a strength.

- The current ‘system’ is driven by profit, essentially unjust enrichment, and practiced without a license, certification, training, education or experiential background, by hospital administrators who make the medical decisions based on the bottom line and personal bonus incentives.

As noted by AMD, physicians and other practitioners can fall into this same category. My opinion: these individuals give up their souls for material gain at the expense of those who entrust them with their lives.

The Western system is currently driven by corporate enrichment. There are other treatment systems available. The current medical establishment has been captured and compromised, possibly beyond repair. Returning to the values of previous times, with knowledge and emphasis on treatments which work, regardless of the ‘comfort zone standard’ of double-blind controlled studies, needs revisiting.

Corporations are ethically responsible to make a profit and give the profit to the shareholders who, in fact, own the business. This describes the business of healthcare in the United States. There is no responsibility to provide efficacious healthcare to patients under this model. Patients are an income source for the corporation, nothing more.

If the people in the United States want a system of medical care which places the patients’ interests first and rewards best practices to achieve this goal, the current system is a failure and needs to be replaced with a patient-centric system.

Compensation for services rendered is important. It can take many forms.

Here is a novel idea, very foreign to Western medicine: the job of the physician is to keep one well (healthy). The physician efforts need be directed toward this goal.

The patient compensates the physician for assisting and maintaining the patient in the practice of a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on prevention and “first, doing no harm’.

Should the patient experience illness/sickness while following the informed and ethical advice of the physician, compensation temporarily ceases. The job of the physician is to keep the patient well. When a state of wellness returns to the patient, compensation resumes.

Where does this all lead? Let’s return to acupuncture. It is considered an alternative to traditional medicine in the West. It is not widely accepted in the West, though it has a definite following. It has worked as a pain management method through thousands of years, predominately in Asia.

It lacks serious downside. It either works or does not work for the individual. The patient compensates the acupuncturist when it is working. Payment stops if the acupuncture is not working as intended. Its longevity through the millennia as a treatment is testament to both safety and efficacy. This fact just stated runs against the current ‘Gold Standard’ proffered by Western medicine.

Western medicine, profit-driven not patient centric, needs serious evaluation regarding goals. Patients are interested in good health. Western medicine has fallen into an abyss. It is focused on the bottom line. How far it has fallen!

This reply has taken a somewhat lengthy route utilizing acupuncture as a jumping-off point to express a number of thoughts, ideas and opinions. My intention is to encourage consideration of a non-mainstream, yet clinically viable, treatment for back pain.

I have broached topics where I express my opinions regarding the key influence on current Western medical practice, which is profit and provider enrichment driven. The opinions are my own.

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marcia Alec's avatar

thank you for all your valuable information. I've past several articles in to my NP. She is just starting out in her career so I think it is helping her. She thanks me every time. I've gone off all BP meds and take only supplements now. And I'm using DMSO DAILY. YOU WERE SEND BY GOD .

Gina's avatar

Have lower back pain; your article reminds me of the underlying causes (emotional stress, damage from car accident, one leg shorter and compromised L4/L5…). I followed doctor recommendation for a steroid injection. Kenacort. Immediately after, and for a week now, suffer from post menopausal bleeding. I use DMSO and already know results. Why did I ever agree to the steroid?!!!

inge jarl clausen's avatar

Tour de France

It felt like I was hitting my body reset button It enhanced my sleep quality, as I would let go of all the emotional energy, stress and pain that had built up and wake up genuinely refreshed,

It’s an incredibly effective form of body/breathing meditation that uses the basic human position, breathing and movement exercises to release tension and pain within the body. After hours of intense concentration on the bike, instead of staring at a screen, I would lie on my bed in the basic human position, eyes closed and breathing deeply, losing myself in my bodily sensations and entering total relaxation.

inge jarl clausen's avatar

The phenomenon of pain as an ontogenetic response form linked to a phylogenetic response stereotype.

“Sometimes we experience that red blotches from blows appear during the treatment, bruises may reappear where they once have been and even blood may trickle out. This is strange and difficult to comprehend, but for some it is part of the healing process.

From childhood

For most people, the pain and suffering may be traced back to the first years of childhood, when the personality was developed in close contact with the care providers. Four traumatic incidents are the same for many of the patients who come for treatment. They may have been beaten, forcibly fed, locked up or abused. These are often circumstances of which the patient is unaware, but which are uncovered over time.

https://vegetativetraining.wordpress.com/i-got-a-new-life-and-a-new-body-with-sov-vegetotherapy/

J R's avatar

This article comes just at the right time - a doctor prescribed Celebrex to my husband for a tooth intervention claiming it's the latest and greatest. Fortunately, it's now in the garbage. What are a few reliable brands of DMSO to try? Thanks!

Tricia Buchman's avatar

Where can I learn how to use DMSO?

Alex Audette's avatar

It would have been nice if you could also have included acupuncture, chiropractic and neural therapy (similar to prolotherapy but using minute procaine injections- intramuscular, intra-articular and quaddle ) as low risk beneficial treatments for many types of musculoskeletal pain. When combined with DMSO, they are even better.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

"Scars from surgeries can frequently generate significant autonomic dysregulation and pain, and frequently, treatment of those scars yields dramatic improvements."

Alex Audette's avatar

Agreed. This is where both DMSO and procaine quaddle injections along the course of the scar (aka tissue interference field) shines.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

"Misalignment—requires adjustment and lifestyle correction"

Karen Mora's avatar

Is there any research about DMSO that would be beneficial to those who suffer from refractory RLS? I would love to get away from the low-dose methadone I have to take, if only to avoid the stigma that comes with it. Everyone’s first thought is that I’m an addict. I don’t even drink and it’s humiliating for me to be categorized like that.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

There is limited data DMSO can help RLS and a few people here said it did.

Bryan Manson's avatar

Keep going strong...as a couple.

You'll win 😄

Julie Sherar's avatar

How can I find someone who can help me with advice on DMSO use? I really need advice on its use. I have chronic neck and back pain. I would appreciate any help!!

Jamie's avatar

Did you already read the series AMD has already written on DMSO?

Start with that.

Everything you need is there. Specifically the one on musculoskeletal injuries and disease.

Don Newmeyer's avatar

The article says that DMSO enhances skin penetration of various topical compounds, and that is often beneficial. But could it also be harmful in some cases to increase uptake?

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Yes. That's why you clean the skin beforehand.

Roisin Dubh's avatar

Another viewpoint is covered in the Divided Mind by Dr. Sarno, how unconscious rage can continue pain long after the structural cause has resolved.

Jane Whitson's avatar

I have a question: After almost 35 years of struggling with an on and off strange pain on the left side of my head and trying everything to fix it through various misdiagnosis from various specialists and dentists, it has finally been correctly identified as Trigeminal Neuralgia. In the past, when it flared up the pain was almost unbeatable...then days, weeks or months later it would subside for a while and my normal energy would return. Since reading your work on DMSO, I am wondering if you, AMD, think DMSO might work to alleviate these seizes rather than having a surgery called microvascular decompression?

Should I try DMSO on my face? Or inhaling diluted with a nebulizer? Wouldn't that take the cake if it worked?!

Any thoughts would be ever so appreciated before I go to a neurosurgeon.

Best wishes,

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

DMSO has had success in a few studies at treating trigeminal neuralgia (which along with where to apply is detailed here):

https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/dmso-is-a-miraculous-therapy-for

Additionally, the germans have found mixing topical DMSO with procaine or ambroxyl is sometimes very helpful for treating it.

Jane Whitson's avatar

Thank you so much for giving me so much to go on!

hansi@jps.net's avatar

I would love a referral to a doctor who can help me figure out how to use DMSO for trigeminal nerve pain. I know it works because I have used it on an injured foot. I tried it externally on my face with no luck but I know there must be a way. I live in the SF Bay Area if that helps. Thanks!

Anne Clifton's avatar

I had knee replacement surgery in January. I thought the prescribed Ibuprofen was a safer alternative than Tramadol and Oxycodone. In mid-March I began to have some heart issues which I am convinced are due to the Ibuprofen I took, or possibly its interaction with my blood pressure med. I have seen a cardiologist, who advised me to take the beta blocker, Metoprolol after doing nothing other than listening to my heart. I'm not going to take it. I've had an EKG, worn a heart monitor, and am scheduled for a stress test, which I may not take. It seems to me that my heart issues are getting better. It's so difficult not being able to trust doctors! I really need surgery on the other knee, but am afraid to take any pain meds now.

hansi@jps.net's avatar

I would love a referral to a doctor who can help me with trigeminal nerve pain and DMSO. I have used it externally on my face with no success. I have used it on an injured foot with great success so I know it works. I just need to find the right application. I lin the SF Bay Area if that helps!

Kyrie Collin's avatar

I have a pseudo-allergy to opioids so my doctor generally offers high-dose ibuprofen after surgery. While I don't have any outstanding conditions, I’m not getting any younger. Can I use DMSO for mild arthritis pain and the like? What dosage would you recommend?

Anne Clifton's avatar

I have developed heart problems which I believe are due to taking high doses of Ibuprofen after knee surgery in January. I am cautiously thinking the issues may be lessening as time goes by. I have seen a cardiologist, but he just pushed another medication, Metoprolol and I'm not going to take it.

DWB's avatar
12 juinEdited

I loathe neurontin so much. When I was in the nightmare of psychiatric care I showed up for my 10-minute check one month and the doctor was highly excited. He had discovered neurontin and now wanted to try it on me, along with the other psych drugs. It didn't work, of course, but at least for my experience it ushered in this type of polypharmacy where psychiatrists would act like chemists and come up with their own concoctions. The psychiatrists actually felt useful combining these drugs ("I do it better than the other guys"), which made them hard to argue against.

EDIT: it was marketed as an "enhancer" to other psych drugs, so encouraged polypharmacy.

advertlies's avatar

What is the best way to apply DMSO? My pain/tightness is in my upper back (hard to reach) and my back upper thigh. Really my whole right side has been jacked for years. I’ve been hesitant to use it because I don’t want to absorb anything I shouldn’t. Should I sterilize my hands and the area I’ll apply it with alcohol, or is there a better/safer way to do it? (I don’t have the roll on applicator.) Also, I have 70%. Should I dilute it?

David E. Smith's avatar

Well that's great, but there is no known medical treatment other than full-agonist opioids that relieve the pain of the most sick, most injured, and most vulnerable among us. We have reports of patients not surviving "opioid-free" surgeries, dying from medical complications and suicide after losing access to controlled substances, and we need ACTION.

David E. Smith's avatar

I wish I could get your attention, EVERYTHING the govt has told us about opioids is a LIE. I filed an Administrative Procedures Act Section 553(e) Notice to Dept of HHS of a Request for Review of the Public Health Emergency declaration in "opioid crisis" outlining all of the problems and issues that need to be addressed to correct the official narratives. Their OWN DATA do not support their false narratives. And patients continue to needlessly suffer and DIE as a result of govt policies based on these LIES. Here is a link to the Notice:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YU3_UnMHW40UsqD8BjXxQAc3nJkUO2Yx/view?usp=drivesdk

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

They have no good option for policy makers because some people depend upon opioids, but others rapidly get addicted to them and we now have a huge opioid crisis. The problem is that people on both sides dismiss the other to advance their argument. My belief is that the most viable solution is to promote effect non-opioid pain management options.

IDA's avatar

Can you apply DMSO when taking benzodiazepines for catatonia?

pk's avatar

Uneven leg length is due to c1 or c2 being out of alignment. That is the root cause. Research Nucca.

Paul R's avatar

Another treatment option is Limbic system retaining, as chronic pain will set up neutral pathways to reinforce the pain perception. I used Dynamic Neutral Retaining System. Gupta and Primal Trust are 2 other options

Alicia's avatar

It is true that patients who have gone through every single procedure and treatment for pain with zero success and need opioids to function are regularly being abandoned and force-tapered off their medications that work after having been stable on them for, some patients, decades. We can thank the CDC, the DEA and the drs at PROP who were paid millions to speak out against opioids. Now it has gotten so bad that even after surgery some hospitals are withholding pain medication and patients are suffering unnecessarily. It’s hard to believe that this is happening in a supposedly free country. To learn more see the Doctor Patient Forum.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

What's needed depends on the structural issue (e.g., you often have to do prolotherapy to fix the ligaments around the disc and sometimes also heal the disk with a regenerative therapy) but DMSO is the only simple thing I know of that significantly improves a wide range of otherwise unmanageable spinal issues.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

Please cite your DMSO spinal research study sources -- I have seen around zero of these research studies to date.

Also, I have successfully treated severe spinal issues with around 100% success assuming the individual puts in the work on the reverse hyper machine, as well as STABLE BPC oral administration.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Everything that exists is in the longer article I wrote on its use for musculoskeletal injuries and pain.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

Please cite actual links to DMSO and spinal repair.

I did not see a single compelling link in any articles whatsoever.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Anything I post you are going to attack. If you disagree that's fine with me. Also regarding your therapy, I can see why it would help in some spinal pain cases (as it is essentially a variant on Robin McKenzie's method) but I can guarantee you that it would not treat many types of back pain and many back pain patients would not be able to do it.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

I am just asking for a single research citation. Why would you be so presumptuous as to state that I would attack a quality research study? Why would I attack a serious research study?

I am more suspicious about the inability to produce a single research study vs simply just linking me to one.....

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Basically I just feel you are trying to tear me down to build yourself up and I don't have time to deal with that today.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

I've got a little time.

So let us go to pubmed and do a basic search.

First hit on DMSO and spinal injury:

How DMSO, a widely used solvent, affects spinal cord injury

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18086517/

"This study demonstrates a considerable neuroprotective effect of DMSO on neurological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses during periods of spinal cord I/R injury in rabbits. Although there was a difference between the DMSO and control groups in all measured parameters in our study, this was not statistically significant."

Second hit:

Failure of topical DMSO to improve blood flow or evoked potentials in rat spinal cord injury

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9886173/

"Although the evoked potentials showed spontaneous recovery after injury, there was no significant difference between the groups. In this study we failed to show any beneficial effects from topical application of high-dose DMSO on spinal cord blood flow or evoked potentials after acute spinal cord injury."

No other hits.

I await your research study citation(s) when you have the time.

Thanks in advance.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

Why would I build myself up asking for a single quality research study?

I'm serious, I can't find one.

Strange, very strange...

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

All the information is in that article. If you want to know what the data is, you can read it and then decide if it constitutes good enough evidence for your standards. It did for a lot of other people so they started using DMSO and had success. When I talked with you in the past you were not like this at all, so I am relatively certain something switched and your primary goal here is to attack me not to learn.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

I just cited two research studies on DMSO for you.

Whatever you think my "primary goal" is above and beyond getting some actual real data and research is in your mind only and has nothing to do with me asking for these basic things from you so that I can see for myself if this is real or not.

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

Listen you two, every situation is different. I'm A disabled vet USMC have had 2 emergency surgeries in order to walk. I use DMSO now it is A miracle drug and I just used the chiropractor for my injured neck. Decompression machine for 3 months and it works well. So don't go butting heads. AMD is our hero with his Substack and 2nd smartest provides a valuable service with his products. Both of you keep up the good work.

2nd Smartest Guy in the World's avatar

I am simply asking for a single quality research study on DMSO and spinal repair.

Thank you for your service.

Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO cures structural spinal pain immediately upon application to the skin and only 1 application was needed for severe disc degeneration L1-S1. 1st Smartest Guy In The World.

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

Wow, It's 2nd smartest guy in the world responding. I buy my Fenbendazole and ivermectin from you. Best price and product in my opinion. Love your emails too.

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A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I have known more people than I can count who had years of chiropractic which did not fix their back pain and DMSO did immediately. Back pain has a lot of different causes. Some can be remedied with adjustments but many others can't.

Jeff Prager's avatar

DMSO is NOT a poison. You are seriously misinformed.

A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

I just want to highlight that these comments illustrate why many of the complaints people have about medicine, while more common in MDs, are not unique to that degree as they simply represent another facet of human nature. Whenever people have a treatment they like, they will often insist it is the greatest thing ever and denigrate anything that competes with it.

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pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

I'm A doctor lol, you mean govt agent. You poll around politicians now after covid exposed your industry.

Jeff Prager's avatar

I have stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. I suppose you believe pemetrexed + carboplatin and Keytruda are less destructive than DMSO. And that's no way to speak to people on social media. Be polite.

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TIF's avatar

So according to you, what doctors prescrib isn’t toxic or harmful to people??

you seriously should get off this substack. Doctors, especially none with morals which you don’t seem to have, have done more damage to patients.

And apparently you feel threatened by something people could use that is helpful and not using pharmaceuticals which are more dangerous.

Jeff Prager's avatar

I have stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. You likely would recommend Pemetrexed + Carboplatin and Keytruda. But D-Hematoxylin subcutaneous injections also work, with far less adverse effects.

Jeff Prager's avatar

And my tumors are 60% smaller than when diagnosed in 2022 as of my last CT Scan June 06, 2025.

TIF's avatar

That sounds awesome Jeff! I think this guy is just afraid that people will find things that actually work and we won’t need people like him.

Bard Joseph's avatar

Wary of going to a chiropractor

FIRST DO NO HARM said Hippocrates. Doing yoga breathing, stretching and walking. Just bought a great massage machine on Amazon.

Janet's avatar

Me too. Haven’t been to one since my mom took me as a child for something. I’m good with never seeing one. My husband did once for his back and it was much worse afterwards. But folks can do what they like. Some swear by their chiropractors but some just swear.

Bard Joseph's avatar

Medicine girl calls them neck stretchers.

pnelson947@gmail.com's avatar

Chiropractors are the healthiest people around and the least vaccinated. MD's took the hypocrite oath we found out through covid mandates. Just read AMD's articles.

Jeff Prager's avatar

Research and data comparing the overall health of chiropractors to the general population are limited. However, some studies offer insights into specific health aspects within the chiropractic profession:

Musculoskeletal Health:

Chiropractors are a hands-on profession that involves manual manipulations and adjustments, placing them at risk for musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, neck, and upper extremities.

Stress and Burnout:

Like other healthcare professionals, chiropractors may face job-related stress due to factors such as long hours, administrative tasks, and patient demands.

Potential Health Benefits (Self-reported):

Some sources suggest chiropractors may experience health benefits from the lifestyle promoted by chiropractic care, such as regular adjustments and a focus on wellness.

Important Considerations:

Limited Research: There is a lack of comprehensive studies specifically comparing the health of chiropractors to the general population.

Safety vs. Effectiveness: While chiropractic care is generally considered safe, some sources mention a low incidence rate of serious adverse events.

Individual Variation: Health within any profession varies greatly depending on individual lifestyle, genetics, and workplace environment.

In summary, while specific studies comparing the overall health of chiropractors to the general population are not readily available, some sources point to potential risks like musculoskeletal injuries and stress, while also suggesting potential benefits related to a wellness-focused lifestyle.

LinuxFreak's avatar

This sounds like it was generated by AI. Was it?

pk's avatar

Nucca gets to the root. Research!